Israeli Sprinter Blessing Afrifah Joins French National Athletics Team

Blessing Afrifah, holder of Israeli national records in the 100 and 200 meters, will begin training with the French national athletics team. The French Athletics Federation announced the appointment of Renaud Longuèvre as one of its coaches, and it has now been confirmed that Afrifah will train under him at the INSEP facility in Paris. This move is in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Afrifah previously left the Dutch national team after a year and a half of training at the Papendal Olympic facility in Arnhem. He will now relocate to France to train alongside the national team's sprinters. The transition is facilitated by Longuèvre, who previously worked with Afrifah during his time in the Netherlands.

Longuèvre, 55, has a history with Israeli athletics, having served as the professional director for the Israeli Athletics Association. He later moved to the Dutch team, where he coached their 4x100 meter relay squad. He recently departed the Dutch national team to return to France.

The French Athletics Federation stated that Longuèvre will assume his new role this week, overseeing short sprints, long jump, hurdles, and the French 4x100 meter relay team. Afrifah is expected to commence training at INSEP, France's National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, shortly. Three other Dutch runners are also anticipated to move to Paris and train under Longuèvre.

This move marks a new phase for Afrifah, following his period in the Netherlands, which was part of a collaboration between the Israeli and Dutch Athletics Associations. He aims to continue his professional development in France as he prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games.