Lee Korzits picks up gold medal in Australia
Israeli windsurfer wins women's RS:X title at Sailing World Championships in Perth for second time in her career. 'I'm delighted to represent my country,' she says
Korzits beat Poland's Zofia Noceti-Klepacka and Marina Alabau of Spain.
An hour after the victory sail, an excited Korzits took the podium, with the flag of Israel behind her and the national anthem playing in the background.
Korzits. Next stop - London (Photo: AFP)
"When I went into the water I felt like a fighter, even against my friends. On shore we're the best friends, but in the water we compete against each other. The first three who finished after me are all my friends," she said.
"I'm delighted to represent my country," she concluded, "and stand before the flag waving in the background. It's exciting to hear the national anthem so far away from home."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned Korzits and congratulated her on her achievements throughout the years. "You've shown persistence, in addition to your huge talent. I expect to see you at the London Olympics," he said.
President Shimon Peres told her, "Your achievement is unprecedented and you've captured the best place possible. You defeated the wind, you're wonderful and the people love you. The anthem was played because of you and we're proud of you."
'Great hope for London Games'
Zvi Varshaviak, president of the Olympic Committee of Israel, said that "Korzits proved she has every single trait required from world championships – determination, persistence and will power. Now we hope to see her shine at the 2012 London Games.
"This medal advances our goal ahead of London. We expect to see at least one athlete on the podium after Yael Arad first won a silver medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. This is definitely an achievable goal."
Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat joined the celebration. "Lee Korzits reached a huge achievement today. The persistence, excellence and talent she has been demonstrating in the past few years make her one of the most important ambassadors of Israeli sports," she said.
Livnat added, "Korzits proves that she is one of our greatest hopes for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. We have full faith in our athletes and we try to give them the best conditions to succeed."
