Israeli Sprinter Blessing Afrifah Joins French National Team Training

Israeli sprinter Blessing Afrifah will begin training with the French national athletics team in Paris, following his coach Renaud Longuèvre's appointment as a French national team coach. The French Athletics Federation announced Longuèvre's new role, leading to Afrifah's move to the INSEP facility in Paris for preparation towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Afrifah, holder of Israeli national records in the 100 and 200 meters, previously trained with the Dutch national team for 18 months at the Papendal Olympic facility in Arnhem. His move to France is directly linked to Longuèvre, who previously coached Afrifah in the Netherlands. The 55-year-old French coach had also served as the professional director for the Israeli Athletics Association before moving to the Dutch team, where he worked with their 4x100 meter relay squad.

Longuèvre recently departed the Dutch team and returned to France. The French Athletics Federation stated that Longuèvre will officially start his new position this week, overseeing short sprints, long jump, hurdles, and the French 4x100 meter relay team. Afrifah is expected to commence training at INSEP shortly. Three additional Dutch runners are also anticipated to train under Longuèvre in Paris.

This move represents a new chapter for Afrifah, who previously transferred to train in the Netherlands as part of a collaboration between the Israeli and Dutch Athletics Federations. He aims to continue his professional development in France as he prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games.