Israel Places Sixth in Artistic Swimming at European Championships in Paris

The Israeli artistic swimming team achieved a notable sixth place finish in the acrobatic routine final at the European Championships held in Paris on August 5, 2026. The team scored 188.4286 points, outperforming Portugal and Bulgaria in a direct final format. The routine included a high-difficulty double somersault element that earned base points, complemented by strong execution and artistic impression scores of eight, marking an excellent result for the young team.

Yaara Sharabi returned to compete in the final routine after suffering a head injury about a week before the championship. Despite a recent concussion, she was medically cleared to perform all acrobatic elements at a high level under the supervision of team doctor Dr. Naama Konstantini. Coaches Valeria Aprilova and Yael Polka expressed satisfaction with her recovery and contribution.

The acrobatic routine team included Yogev Dagan, Kati Konin, Alexandra Lerman, Noga Levi, Lior Makmel, Shay Shar Shalom Nachmad, Yaara Sharabi, and Ella Steiner. Overall, Israel reached the finals in all six events they entered, finishing in the top 10 each time. Their placements were fifth in the mixed duet technical, sixth in acrobatics, seventh in both free and technical group routines, eighth in free duet, and tenth in technical duet. These results exceeded the coaching staff's expectations.

Coach Valeria Aprilova praised the team's artistic impression scores and the performance of newcomer Noya Tzarfati, who competed under significant pressure. The team plans a short break before resuming training in September, with intentions to refresh their group routines creatively after three years.

In parallel open water swimming events, Ofek Adir from Hapoel Bat Yam finished 19th in the 5 km race with a time of 1:03:44.9, closely trailing the winner by 1:13.6. Jonathan Achdut of Hapoel Jerusalem placed 27th in the men's 5 km with a time of 1:00:25.3, narrowly behind a Turkish competitor decided by a photo finish. The Israeli athletes will rest on August 6 before competing in the knockout 3 km event on August 7, which features heats, semifinals, and finals all on the same day.