Gershon Shefa Betters World Mark at Israeli Masters Nationals; 43 National Records Fall -- March 18, 2003

By Dr. Buky Chass

KIBBUTZ GIVAT HAIM (Ihud), Israel, March 17. THREE-TIME Israeli Olympian Gershon Shefa bettered the world record for the men's 200 meter breaststroke last weekend at the Israeli Masters Short Course Winter National Championships.

Swimming in the 60-64 age group, Shefa, a resident of Kibbutz Givat Haim, clocked 2:49.21 before an enthusiastic home crowd. However, the time will not be approved as a world mark as it was swum during a 200 meter freestyle heat.

Another outstanding swim was turned in by Zohar Weiss, who clocked a national record 1:58.64 for the 200m freestyle.

The remaining national records set:

100 meter I.M.:
M 35-39- Sagi Shtigman in 1:06.00
M- 40-44- Zohar Wiess in 1:05.75.
M- 60-64- Gershon Shefa in 1:11.21

W 45-49- Nurit Saar in 1:27.18.
W 55-59- Ivona Leovov in 1:22.46

50 meter backstroke
M 35-39- Ofir Carmel in 31.14.
M 75-79- Shai Sharon in 58.73.

W 55-59- Ivona leonov in 37.57.

50 meter breaststroke
M 20-24- Ido Sela in 31.61
M 30-34- Hadar Avro in 31.51
M 35-39- Sagi Shtigman in 33.41
M 40-44- Andre Toth in 34.67.
M 45-49- Nadav Batsha in 35.94.
M 60-64- Gershon Shefa in 34.24
M 75-59- Reuven Avigad in 55.39

W 55-59- Ivona Leonov in 41.96
W 60-64-Jane Shniederman in 52.82

50 meter butterfly
M 35-39-Udi Zilberberg in 27.71
M 45-49- Ardin Halter in 29.55.

W 45-49-Nurit Saar in 37.82
W 55-59-Ivona Leonov in 36.80

50 meter freestyle
M 45-49-Ardin Halter in 27.04
M 75-79-Reuven Avigad in 45.43.

W 45-49- Nurit Saar in 33.47.

200 meter freestyle
M 40-44- Zohar Wiess in 1:58.64.
M 60-64- Giora Zilberberg in 2:35.54