Last week, away from the spotlight, history was made in Israeli sports: track cyclist Michael Yakovlev won the bronze medal in the sprint competition at the European Championships in Holland - thus achieving Israel's first ever medal in the sport.
Even before this defining moment, 23-year-old Yakovlev, born in Russia, was considered one of Israel's greatest hopes for an Olympic medal in Paris.
He came to the Holy Land with an impressive resume, which included a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships in Keirin races and a bronze medal at the 2021 European Championships in sprint races, then he was still representing his homeland.
Yakovlev immigrated to Israel from Moscow with his parents and grandmother in August 2022. In early 2023, he represented Israel for the first time - and the results were not long in coming: among other things, he won the silver medal in the third round of the Nations Cup, in a competition held in Egypt, and was even crowned Israel's champion.
It was the appetizer for last week's historic achievement.
"It feels great to make history," says Yakovlev at the beginning of the special interview with Israel Hayom.
"I waited a long time for this medal. It is Israel's first in track cycling at the European Championships, so for now I am very satisfied, even though I was aiming for gold. I hope to get many more medals in the coming years."
What lessons do you derive from the championship for the rest of the year?
"In every competition I gain experience, both in losses and victories. I learn a lot about my mental side, as well as the technical side. This time it was a different feeling thanks to the medal and the fact that I waved the Israeli flag, something I am very proud of, and want as many people as possible to know about it." .
Yakovlev in action, photo: Gettyimages
What reactions did you get at the European Championship?
"Everyone respected me and congratulated me. There are also those who came and asked me about the war, were interested in how the situation in Israel was, asked about my family. Many friends know that this is a difficult time. These are not easy days for all Israelis, and I want to try to do them good in these times."
Yakovlev immigrated to Israel while Russia was waging a war in Ukraine, which led to sanctions against Russian athletes for an extended period.
This fact prevented him from going to competitions, and ultimately led him to leave his homeland and represent Israel.
Yakovlev did not imagine that the war would haunt him in his new home as well, with the outbreak of the war on October 7.
Where did the war catch you?
"I was in a training camp. I left Israel already in the middle of September, and I didn't know about it until I talked to my family. It was a big shock for me. I received a lot of messages from people asking how I was doing. It was a very big disaster."
Yakovlev on the track.
Dreaming of Paris, photo: Gettyimages
What do you think about athletes who support Hamas?
"I haven't come across this, and I get a lot of positive messages, but if there are other reactions - I try to ignore it and move on. If there really are athletes who support Hamas, then they actually support terrorism, and they should be punished for it. I'm for peace."
Do you think Russia should compete in Paris?
"I don't think about it at all, I only think about Israel, which is my country."
Speaking of Paris - in November 2023, after a long struggle by the Israeli union and the Olympic Committee, Yakovlev received permission from the International Olympic Committee to represent Israel in the Olympic Games, although he has not yet finally achieved the criterion, which will close only on April 15.
How important is it to you to represent the State of Israel?
"It is very important to me, I am very proud of the flag. My home is in Israel, and there is no way I will change that. I hope to represent the country not only in the upcoming Olympics, but also in Los Angeles 2028, and maybe even beyond that."
Are you already thinking about Paris?
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"Obviously, but there are still a few busy months on the way, and I still have to compete for my place. I hope to secure my place in Paris, and then also win a medal. I'm not coming just to participate, but to get a place on the podium."
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