Israeli Windsurfers Win Double Gold and Silver at World Championships

Israel's national windsurfing team achieved a significant success at the Women's IQFoil World Championships, securing a gold and a silver medal. Tamar Steinberg, 20, clinched the gold medal by winning the final race, while 23-year-old Olympic silver medalist Sharon Kantor took the silver.

Another Israeli competitor, Daniela Peleg, finished fourth, and Shahar Tibi was eliminated in the quarterfinals, placing fifth. Steinberg expressed her elation, stating, "Damn, I'm so happy. I've waited for this for a long time. It was such a tough final, so close and nerve-wracking." She added, "I had one goal in mind and went for it. In the medal race, anything can happen, and I'm glad it happened the way I wanted." She also congratulated her teammates, highlighting the strength of the Israeli team.

Kantor described the competition as a "great fight" with Steinberg and Peleg, expressing immense satisfaction. Shahar Zubi, the women's national team coach, praised the team's preparation for the World Championships, calling it the year's target competition. He commended the athletes and the professional staff, including the fitness coach and psychologist, for creating excellent conditions.

In the men's competition, Tom Reuveny reached the final but was subsequently eliminated after a re-run of the semi-final. Reuveny expressed satisfaction with his performance throughout the week, despite not winning a medal, and is now focused on next year's championship and securing a quota for Israel. Men's team coach Stav Beimal noted that they were prepared for a medal with Reuveny's advancement, but circumstances changed. He expressed a desire to prove themselves next year and congratulated the women's team on their success.