Israeli Triathlon Team Faces Discrimination at World Championships in Spain

The Israeli national triathlon team experienced significant discrimination at the World Championships held in Pontevedra, Spain, nearly leading to their withdrawal from the competition. According to Lior Cohen, the professional manager of the Israeli Triathlon Association, who spoke on Sport 5, Israeli flags and the name 'Israel' were removed from all possible locations. During a relay race, the team was referred to as 'Team Number 20' without any national identification. Tape was reportedly placed over the name 'Israel' on the transition area. Professional repercussions also occurred, with athlete Shahar Sagiv forced to compete in a neutral, unfamiliar wetsuit, which Cohen described as a moral and professional blow.

Cohen attributed the hostile atmosphere to the local organizing committee, backed by the mayor, who allegedly fueled anti-Israel sentiment by referencing the conflict in Gaza during the opening ceremony. The team was reportedly barred from participating in the opening ceremony. Despite the challenges, the international federation provided full support, with its chairman, a Spaniard, offering backing that enabled the team to compete. Without this support, Cohen stated, they would not have started the race.

This incident follows a similar experience in Ireland, where the head of the organizing committee expressed concerns for the athletes' safety, and the European Federation was unable to intervene. The team is looking forward to upcoming competitions in South America or Asia, anticipating a less politically charged environment.