Outside the lines, 18.2/Editor: Ziv Steiner
The boos in Qatar towards the Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gornbeko echoed all over the world.
Media all over the globe reported on the unusual incident at the World Swimming Championships, when Gorbenko spoke to the audience in a hostile country, after her great achievement, and received chants of protest, in an incident that is certainly unusual in competitions such as swimming, where the audience usually cheers on all the competitors.
"Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko was booed and booed by some of the crowd in Doha, after she finished second in the 400 meter medley," was written in many media outlets, including the "Washington Post", "Guardian", "Fox", "Independent" and "New York" Post", which did not ignore the incident, "the 20-year-old Gorbenko spoke on the edge of the pool moments after the anointing, when the voices from the stands were heard in Doha".
On their nose and their anger!
Gorbenko/GettyImages
According to the report, Gorbenko spoke about her achievement and connection to her country when she received the whistles.
"'I'm just so happy to be here and represent my country in this difficult time,' said Gorbenko against the background of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. 'Being here with the Israeli flag means a lot for me and for my country, so it's the best I can do.' At the same time, other voices in the audience converted the contempt and responded with applause and applause."
The presence of Israeli swimmers in Qatar was criticized by some of the demonstrators in Doha against the background of the war in Gaza.
The website SwimSwam claimed that the boos were heard when Gorbenko's name was announced in English, but not when he was called in Arabic.
As you know, security forces were added to the Israeli team as a security measure during the championships.
"I've been here for a week. I've heard all these noises, but I'm wearing earplugs. I'm on my own. I'm here to do what I love to do, which is sports," Gorbenko said.
"I'm here to represent my country... and I'm doing it with the Israeli flag, and I'm proud of it. And whoever doesn't like it, it's just not my problem."
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The conservative outkick website wrote "that the disrespect against Israel and Gorbenko was appalling. She made the right move when she decided to simply 'keep swimming'".
According to her, "There was no way I would miss the podium just because some little kids do what they want... It does affect me emotionally. It's been a long week for me."
By the way, from a professional point of view, Gorbenko says that despite the historic silver medal, "I expected myself to succeed more than I did."
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Anastasia Gorbenko