Israel Sending Largest Ever Team to European Championships

Sep 8, 2012; London, United Kingdom; An Israel flag flies above Centre Court during a match between David Wagner (USA) and Noam Gershony (ISR) during the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Eton Manor. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

Israel is sending the nation’s largest ever team to the 2016 European Championships. The roster includes 27 swimmers, four women and an impressive 23 men.

Six of those swimmers already have Olympic A cuts which will send them to Rio.

For the men, two time Olympian Gal Nevo has already punched his ticket to Rio. Yakov Yan Toumarkin is also already set for his second Games, and three more swimmers are vying to Israel’s second position in the 100 backstroke. Ziv Kalontarov, heads to London as the reigning European champion in the 50 freestyle, and has also secured his Olympic berth.

For the women, Andrea Moraz is headed to Rio with an Olympic A cut and Israeli record in the 100 freestyle. Amit Ivry was Isreal’s first ever Olympic semi-finalist in 2012 and has a chance to improve on that performance in 2016. Zohar Shikler is also already on the Olympic team, and competing in London.

A number of other swimmers are hoping to make Olympic A cuts at the European Championships, their last chance to earn a spot in Rio.

Four Israeli relay teams will also compete. Both the men’s and women’s squads are entered in the 400 freestyle relays. Israeli hopes are high for a top 16 finish for the women in that event.

The men’s 800 freestyle relay and the women’s 400 medley relay are also entered in the Championship.

Dr. Bucky Chass contributed to this report.

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Bill Bell

7 years ago

Watch out, MMe. Sjostrom, Pellegrini, Kromowidjojo et al.

Ex-Cardinal (and ex-Venice High Gondolier/LA City prep champ/record-holder!) Andi Murez gonna steal your thunder!