STUNNING: Israeli gymnast wins Israel’s second Olympic gold – third ever – and fourth medal for Blue & White in Tokyo

Israel’s Linoy Ashram made Olympic history becoming the first Israeli woman to win a gold medal – and the third Israeli ever to get the top spot.

As “HaTikva,” Israel’s national anthem was played in the arena, Ashram was visibly moved.

“It’s what I dreamed of for all my life,” Ashram said. “It’s an amazing feeling to stand in this place, at this time, on the podium and in first place.”

If anyone has been following the 22-year-old rhythmic gymnast over the past few years, it comes as no surprise that she could win the competition. Ashram has 92 medals under her belt, having dominated the sport in international competitions since 2014.

But to win in Tokyo, Ashram had to end two decades of Russian dominance and beat out the favorites to win – Russian twins, Dina and Arina Averina. The twins have won every major championship all-around title they competed for since the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

“It’s a crazy experience that I still haven’t fully digested,” Ashram said.

Ashram’s teammate, Nicol Zelikman, was elated with her seventh-place finish.

“We are now two in the top eight in the world from Israel,” she said. “It was a dream come true. Linoy and I proved that we are a gymnastics powerhouse. I want to thank my whole family for all the 17 years they worked to help me reach my achievements, I was privileged to reach this dream.”

Israel’s first gold medal in Tokyo was captured in the men's floor exercise by men’s gymnast Artem Dolgopyat, who received a hero's welcome upon returning to Israel earlier this week. In 2004, Israeli windsurfer Gal Friedman won Israel’s first-ever gold in Athens.

This is Israel’s best Olympics showing ever. In addition to the two golds, Avishag Semberg won bronze in Taekwondo in the women’s 49kg category, while the mixed judo team also captured a bronze medal.

Ashram’s victory was marred by several appeals from the Russian Olympic Committee which claimed that Dina Averina, who won silver, was cheated by the judges. The ROC appealed her scores but ultimately Ashram edged out the former champion by 0.150 points. 

“The whole world has seen the injustice,” the Russian Olympic Committee tweeted.

This was the first time a Russian competitor failed to win the event since 1996.

Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli congratulated Ashram.

“We all look at you and take example. Each woman and girl looks at you and sees how much talent, how much strength, how much courage, how much determination, how much personality you exude,” she said in a statement. “Each of us looks at you and sees how far you can go. Thank you, Champion.”

Israel will compete in the women’s rhythmic gymnastics group all-around on Sunday.