Israeli Marathon Team Returns Home After Triumph: "We Are Proud of You"
The Israeli runners, who secured team gold at the European Athletics Championships, alongside individual bronze medalist Gashau Ayale, received a warm welcome upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport.
Following their tremendous achievement on the final day of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this past Sunday, the Israeli marathon team returned home to a moving reception. The team secured the gold medal for the second consecutive time and the third time in its history. Additionally, Gashau Ayale, who won silver last year, reached the podium again to claim the bronze medal with a time of 2:09:21.
"We are proud of you, how good it is that you have returned home," stated the Athletics Association in an official release.
Doron Shitrok, chairman of the Maccabi Tel Aviv association, which had eight athletes representing it at the championships, congratulated Ayale:
"Your medal symbolizes a long path of hard work, perseverance, discipline, determination, and uncompromising belief. Maccabi Tel Aviv is proud of you, not only for the excellent achievement but mainly for the path that led you there: countless hours of training and difficult moments where you chose to continue forward."
Shitrok further noted: "You are a role model and an inspiration for our young generation of athletes. Young people who look at you today learn that it is not enough to dream; one must work, persevere, and not give up. The medal is your achievement, but the pride is all ours."
The six runners making up the team include veteran Maru Teferi, Ayale, and Aymero Almeya, who stunned last year with a fourth-place finish at the World Championships. Alongside them were Tadesse Getahon, Yitayew Abuhay, and Bokayu Malade. Ultimately, it was Ayale, Getahon, and Almeya who finished in 3rd, 5th, and 8th places, securing the best cumulative time for Israel. This placed them at the top of the podium, with Germany finishing second and France third.
