Less than half a year to the Olympic Games in Paris, windsurfer Sharon Kantor today (Saturday) in Spain officially put her stamp on the fact that she is one of Israel's greatest hopes for a medal in the biggest sporting event in the world, after being crowned world champion.
The 21-year-old Kantor had a great day of competition, during which she finished in first place in both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
Later, in the medal race, she crossed the finish line first again - and got the gold medal.
Her teammate, Katie Spichkov, completed a huge day for Israel by winning bronze, and the podium picture was completed by the British Emma Wilson.
Sharon Kantor, world champion in windsurfing // Credit: The Sailing Association
Kantor's achievement did not come out of nowhere, as in May 2023 she finished as European runner-up and later in July won the pre-Olympic competition in Marseille.
Now, one can perhaps start to fantasize about the first Olympic medal in the sport since 2008, when Shahar Tzuberi, who now accompanies Kantor as the team's coach, won a bronze in Beijing.
"I still don't understand that I'm the world champion," Kantor said at the beginning of her remarks in a special interview with Israel Hayom.
"This is a significant landmark in my career, the peak of my life. I am not digesting the situation, but believe that in a few days I will begin to understand what is happening."
You had a great day, finishing in first place three times.
"In the quarterfinals, I gave it my all, because I didn't start well, and the same was true in the semifinals. In the finals, I told myself that I had to win it. We were very close, but I gave a great fight and took it. It was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed every second. It was Crazy, I couldn't stand it and celebrated before the finish line."
Kantor and Shahar Zubri, a great achievement, photo: sailing energy
To raise the highest flag especially on days like this - does it have a double meaning?
"I think two Israeli medals when I'm at the top of the podium is something very important these days. It's the contribution I can give, to represent our country with the most respect and show everyone what we're worth. It fills me with pride to hold the Israeli flag."
For the third year in a row, a double podium for Israel is something that has not been in any industry.
"It's something crazy. It shows the world that we are really powerful and not suckers. Shahar (Zobri, AA) was speechless at the end, he knows how hard I work.
I brought my soul and I really wanted to feel that it was paying off, that I wasn't working for nothing, and Shahar saw my excitement."
Is there an unforgettable moment or experience during the championship that played a decisive role in your success?
"The day before last I was so close and I missed the automatic spot in the semi-finals by a point, it was a breaking point. But while I was doing it I told myself that if I was so close, it would fill me with energy and strength to reach the medal cruise and give it my all. A very powerful moment I had."
Kantor and Spichkov hug at the end, photo: sailing energy
Less than six months to the Olympics, setting a very high bar.
"First of all I need to be selected as a representative for Paris, I haven't received the official announcement yet, but I am able to do good things. I need to continue working hard, but I have the goal in mind and I will give everything to get there ready. There are selected companies that I am sure can support in me and help me".
Kantor concluded: "I want to say a big thank you to my family, who always supports me, and to my coach, Shahar Tzoberi the champion. It was very special and powerful to stand on the podium with Katy beside me. We stood with the Israeli flag and waved it proudly, because these days that is the most significant thing that we can do as athletes, to represent our country with respect."
Shahar Tzuberi, coach of the women's team, summed up the competition: "I'm glad that we were once again able to prove that we are a very strong team. Sharon deserves to be at the top of the podium. The situation in the team was very tense before the competition, but despite the pressure, despite the tests and after a competition with many upheavals, we brought two medals Israelis and for the second year in a row the title of world champion.
"It is not obvious that with all the pressures around and with the hard feeling in the face of everything that is happening in the country, we managed to get here and win the world championship. I feel that I have been given the privilege to work with them and hope that we will continue to bring pride to the country, both in difficult times and in good times."
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Sharon Kantor and Shahar Zubri at the end.
"I had so much fun", photo: sailing energy
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