About four and a half months after capturing the nation's heart with his bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, judoka Peter Paltchik is launching an annual scholarship fund to support young athletes in judo, swimming, gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics.
Named the Paltchik Foundation, the initiative will provide monthly grants to help talented athletes pursue their dreams without financial barriers.
Paltchik explained that the inspiration for the foundation came from his personal journey, which was marked by significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. "Only we, the athletes, truly understand what it means to face so many obstacles," he said.
"Beyond the grueling training sessions and competitions, financial stress is a massive barrier that prevents many talented athletes from reaching their full potential. It doesn’t have to be this way. I made it my mission – my calling – during the flight back from Paris. Now is my time to give back to the next generation of athletes," he added.
The scholarship aims to provide young athletes with financial stability, allowing them to focus entirely on realizing their potential. Each recipient will receive an annual scholarship of approximately 50,000 shekels, in addition to special grants for achievements in key competitions and bonuses for athletes from underprivileged regions.
Challenges are nothing new for Paltchik. Born in Crimea, he immigrated to Israel with his mother at just nine months old after losing his father to a severe illness. Due to financial difficulties, his mother eventually left the country, and his grandparents raised Paltchik in Rishon Lezion. At age 5, struggling with health issues, his grandfather enrolled him in Pavel Musin's judo club to help him build strength – an unexpected decision that would eventually lead to an Olympic medal.
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While Paltchik wasn't considered a frontrunner for the podium in Paris, his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most was never in doubt – and he delivered spectacularly. In addition to his Olympic bronze, Paltchik also earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships and gold at the 2020 European Championships.