Jonathan Koplev
Photo: AP
Israeli swimmer wins European gold
Jonathan Koplev becomes first Israeli to hold European championship title in men's 50m backstroke; Guy Barnea takes meet's bronze
Swimmer Jonathan Koplev became the first Israeli to hold the European championship title Thursday, after setting a new personal best of 24.73 seconds in the men's 50-meter backstroke and winning the gold medal.
Swimmer Guy Barnea joined Koplev on the winners' podium, taking the meet's bronze medal, after setting a time of 25.15 seconds.
Italy's Mirco Di Tora won the silver medal.
Koplev after finishing the race (Photo: AP)
Koplev and Barnea's double win, joined by swimmer Yakov Toumarkin's winning the bronze medal at the men's 100-meter backstroke on Wednesday, improved the Israeli team's ranking in the championship, placing them third.
"This is unbelievably exciting. I knew he could do it – he lived up to all of our expectations and more," Koplev's trainer Hanan Sterling said.
He added he hoped Koplev would represent Israel in the 4x100 relay race at the Olympic qualifications.
