Israel's Dolgopiat and Barkovitz Make Gymnastics History in World Championship Final

Israeli gymnasts Artem Dolgopiat and Noam Barkovitz are set to compete in the floor exercise final at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, marking the first time two Israelis have reached the final in the same event. The historic achievement comes after both athletes qualified for the final during the preliminary rounds.

Dolgopiat, the Olympic silver medalist and reigning European champion, qualified in third place with a score of 14.300. This marks another opportunity for the decorated athlete to add a prestigious medal to his collection. Barkovitz, an 18-year-old competing in his first senior season, qualified in seventh place with 14.033 points, securing his spot alongside the world's elite.

The two Israelis have previously shared the podium this season, both competing in the floor exercise final at a World Cup event in Croatia, where Dolgopiat won gold and Barkovitz took bronze. They will now aim to replicate that success on the sport's biggest stage.

Their path to the final was not without challenges, as Israeli athletes were barred from last year's World Championships in Indonesia due to visa issues. The competition in Rotterdam is expected to be fierce, with top contenders including Daukhno Arseni of Russia, Olympic champion Carlos Yulo of the Philippines, and Richard Frederick of the United States.

The final is anticipated to be closely contested, with small point differences separating the competitors, many of whom are world and continental titleholders. Dolgopiat and Barkovitz's joint qualification for the final is already a significant milestone, with the possibility of further success less than two years before the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic Games.