Israeli triathlete forced to compete at World Championships in Spain without flag

Olympic triathlete Shahar Sagiv was forced to compete at the World Championships in Spain without official Israeli uniform, after the World Triathlon Union ordered so two days before the race, fearing for his safety amid pro-Palestinian protests in the area. Sagiv finished in 31st place.

Olympic triathlete Shahar Sagiv (31) was forced to compete at the World Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, without the official Israeli uniform bearing the country's flag. Sagiv told Kan News in an interview that the decision was made by the World Triathlon Union together with the Israeli association, two days before the race, in order to protect his safety. Two hours before the start, he was given a neutral suit with only his name on it. According to him, the mayor of Pontevedra gave an opening speech against "the Zionist government," and pro-Palestinian protests took place in the area. Sagiv noted that the youth and under-23 teams were also not allowed to compete in Israeli suits. He described the situation as "sad" and "a disgrace," but emphasized that his goal is to reach his third Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Sagiv finished in 31st place out of 65 participants, and noted that he is returning from a three-month injury. The association and the Olympic Committee worked behind the scenes in protest, but the fear is that the phenomenon will increase.