Shatilov wins silver medal in Berlin
Young athlete is first Israeli to be placed second in 2011 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in men's floor exercise
Shatilov, 24, was the first Israeli gymnast to reach the important championship's qualifier and the first Israeli to return home with medals from both the world and European championships, after winning a bronze medal in the 2009 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships on London.
Preparing for 2012 Olympic Games. Alex Shatilov (Photo: AP)
Saturday's gold medal in Berlin went to Romania's Flavius Koczi, who presented a perfect exercise which gave him a score of 15.500 points.
The Olympic Committee of Israel is planning a festive reception for Shatilov upon his return home. He will receive an NIS 35,000 (about $10,180) grant, and his trainer will get half of that sum.
Shatilov's young age, the progress he has made and his remarkable achievement on Saturday make him an excellent candidate for an Israeli Olympic medal in London in 2012.
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