Israeli Sprinter Blessing Afrifah Withdraws From European Athletics Championships Due to Injury

The European Athletics Association announced the updated list of qualifiers for the European Athletics Championships, scheduled from August 10 to 16 in Birmingham, UK. Israel will be represented by 18 athletes across various disciplines. However, sprinter Blessing Afrifah will miss the competition due to a hamstring injury and will remain in Israel for rehabilitation. Marathon runner Luna Chemtai Salpeter is also sidelined with an injury and will not participate.

Several Israeli athletes secured their spots only recently, thanks to strong performances in recent weeks and at the Israeli Championships held last week. Matan Ivri qualified last-minute for the 1500 meters after other competitors withdrew, while Omri Shif, Israel's 400-meter hurdles record holder, also confirmed his participation. Sagie Lamdiel qualified for the 110-meter hurdles after breaking the Israeli record at the Maccabiah Games, ranking 30th globally. Gal Ard will compete in the 200 meters after winning the Israeli Championship and securing the 25th place among the 36 qualifiers.

The full Israeli roster includes Jonathan Kapitolnik (high jump), Adva Cohen (3000-meter steeplechase), Estelle Walano (discus throw), Zimano Mothe and Derja Cekula (10,000 meters), and marathon runners Maor Tiuri, Selamawit Teferi, and Mintemar Bikaya, who replaced the injured Chemtai Salpeter. Other marathon runners are Maor Teferi, Gashaw Ayala, Eymeru Alemayehu, Tadesse Getahon, Bokayo Melda, and Wetaio Abuhay. The team also features Matan Ivri (1500 meters), Omri Shif (400-meter hurdles), Sagie Lamdiel (110-meter hurdles), and Gal Ard (200 meters).