War veteran Noam Gershoni beats world’s No.1 quad tennis player; earns Israel’s first gold medal in London Paralympics Games
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His medal is the seventh Paralympics medal won by Israel in the London Games, and the first gold medal for Israel since the 2004 Athens Games.
Meanwhile, Israel scored another achievement in London on Saturday when swimmer Inbal Pezaro won a bronze medal, in the 100m freestyle. This is Pezaro’s third Paralympics bronze in the London Games.
The 29-year-old wheelchair tennis player is a former IAF helicopter pilot, who was injured in the Second Lebanon War. He began playing tennis only 18 months ago.
Since picking up a racquet for the first time, Gershoni has been racking up one title after another. He arrived at the London Games as one of the world’s top-three quad tennis players.
A visibly emotional Gershoni teared up during the medals ceremony. “I’m on top of the world,” he told Ynet. “Hearing Hatikvah play and seeing the Israeli flag fly high – I can’t describe this feeling.”
Representing Israel in the Paralympics and winning any medal – let alone the gold – “Was beyond anything I ever thought I’d accomplish,” he added.
“Today, Noam proved he is the best (tennis) player in the world,” the Israeli team’s coach, Kobi Wiener, said.
“He has drive and talent and today is the peak of two years of hard work. These are his first Paralympics Games, so this is quite the achievement.”
Gershoni and Wagner (Photo: Razi Livnat)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated Gershoni: “I was moved by your victory. The State of Israel embraces you as one for this tremendous achievement,” Netanyahu said.
President Shimon Peres congratulated Gershoni following his win: “You’ve brought the Israeli people some exciting news – the best we could have hoped for,” he said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak also called Israeli wheelchair tennis player: “We all had our fingers crossed for you and we are delighted that you won,” Barak said. “Your war injury, your recovery and your achievements are an inspiration to us all.”
