Rower Moran Samuel claimed Israel’s first medal at the Rio Paralympics on Sunday, winning a bronze in the arms-shoulders women’s single sculls final.
Samuel, the reigning world champion, clocked a time of 5:17.46 minutes in the 1,000-meter final and took her first Paralympic medal after finishing in fifth place at London 2012.
“A Paralympic medal is so sweet,” said an emotional Samuel. “I really wanted to win a gold medal and to play the national anthem in Rio, but I gave everything I could.”
Congrats to Moran Samuel for winning Israel's 1st #Bronze medal in rowing at #Rio2016 #Paralympics. So proud! pic.twitter.com/kpJfxbmVuj
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) September 12, 2016
“I left everything out there but there were better rowers than me today,” added Samuel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Samuel over the phone.
“This is an unbelievable achievement,” said Netanyahu. “We can’t put into words how proud we are of you. You and your friends represent the Israeli spirit and you are a true hero.”
Read the full article at Jerualem Post.
