11 Israeli teenagers to compete in the first Olympic Games in Africa

The Youth Olympic Games have opened in Senegal, with 11 Israeli athletes competing in eight disciplines. On the first day, judoka Itamar Cohen finished seventh, and swimmer Ofir Simcha advanced to the 200m backstroke final. For the first time, a refugee youth Olympic team is participating, and a Russian team is competing under the national flag.

The Youth Olympic Games opened yesterday (Saturday) in Senegal, with 11 Israeli teenagers participating. The Israeli delegation includes five girls and six boys, aged 14 to 17, competing in eight disciplines: judo, boxing, athletics, artistic gymnastics, fencing, archery, swimming, and windsurfing. On the first day of competition, judoka Itamar Cohen finished seventh after losing the bronze medal match to an opponent from Argentina. Swimmer Ofir Simcha advanced to the 200m backstroke final from second overall. Both, aged 17, carried the Israeli flag at the opening ceremony. Israeli Olympic Committee CEO Adi Bichman said the delegation is preparing for provocations from competitors. For the first time, a refugee youth Olympic team is participating, with six athletes from Kenya and Uganda. Meanwhile, a Russian team of 13 athletes is competing under the national flag for the first time since Russia's suspension following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.