"It's wonderful to represent Israel": Interview with the soldier who lost his leg and won gold in an international competition
David Masaheyev, an IDF soldier who lost his leg in combat in Gaza, won a gold medal in a Paralympic archery competition in Cyprus. In an interview, he recounts the journey from his severe injury to victory, and sets his next goal: the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
David Masaheyev, an IDF soldier who was severely wounded in combat in Gaza in December 2023 and lost his leg, won a gold medal last weekend at the international Paralympic archery competition in Cyprus. In an interview with Yinnon Mills on the program "Three O'Clock Edition" on Channel 15, Masaheyev said: "It's a wonderful feeling to take first place and represent the State of Israel." Masaheyev was wounded when Hamas terrorists fired an RPG at the force where he served as a combat documenter. In the incident, Staff Sergeant Uriya Yaakov, may his memory be blessed, was killed, and four other soldiers were wounded. Masaheyev was evacuated by helicopter while sedated and ventilated, and was in a coma for three weeks, during which his leg was amputated. After waking up, he began a long rehabilitation at Sheba Hospital, where he discovered the sport of archery. He is now part of the "Gold of Warriors" project and has set his sights on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.