Israeli windsurfer Gal Friedman has just won Israel’s first ever gold medal!
The corridor here at work is echoing with chants of “We are the Champions.”
You can bet that there are going to be huge celebrations tonight..
Update: And now for the reactions to this historic victory:
“The feeling is amazing. You can’t describe it. I am happy you all got to see the race live on television. I simply felt the entire country pushing me forward. It’s a dream come true. I wasn’t intimated by the pressure, I was in total focus and that’s the only way to win. Thank you all for your support”.“There were moments I was worried but the good guys always win..The feeling is great. It’s a dream. I was focused all the time and I wasn’t scared of the pressure. This is definitely the best way to win. At the start of the race, I was feeling a bit drained, but I suddenly felt a surge of energy, and I’m sure it was the energies of all those who are waiting for me back home”
Fridman’s coach, Gur Shtienberg:
“It’s a fantastic feeling, and we are thrilled. It was an extremely tight competition. We proved that an Israeli could be the best in the world, the winner of Olympic gold.”
Fridman’s father, Uri:
“It’s very, very hard to believe that he succeeded in doing this..I’ve been sleeping a lot less lately, but it’s all part of the game. Gal wrote to me that he slept better than we did.”
Gal’s brother, Yuval:
“Everyone knows he’s the best in the world and he would have been the best even if he’d come in last.”
Team manager Gilad Lustig:
“Gal Fridman is our greatest athlete. To see our flag and hear our national anthem played at the awards ceremony is a moment we have long been waiting for.”
“I’m happy together with everyone about this win..We all had great expectations that Gal would do this.”“We are all excited, all the people of Israel. I think also all of the Jewish people,”
Update: Why didn’t I think of that? Arutz Sheva correctly points out that Gal means “wave.” How appropriate.
Update: And now for some pictures from after the race:
(Below photos courtesy of AP)
(Below photos courtesy of Reuters)
