Israeli rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram won a silver medal at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Tuesday, twirling her way toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ashram, 19, came second in the individual hoop final with a score of 20.000. Russian gymnast Dina Averina won the gold medal with a score of 20.850, while her twin sister, Arina, won the bronze with a score of 19.700.
Israeli gymnast Nicol Zelikman placed fifth in both the hoop and the ball finals.
Ashram failed to make the final for the ball event.
Still, this was the first time two Israeli athletes made it to the finals of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships.
"This is a historic silver medal. But I'm also looking ahead to the next three days of close competition," Ashram told Hadashot evening news.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted his congratulations to Ashram.
"Congratulations to Linoy Ashram on her awesome achievement and silver medal. What a wonderful start to the new [Jewish] year. We're proud of you, Linoy," he wrote.
The all-around Sofia competition includes hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. The gymnasts will compete in the clubs event on Wednesday.
Last month, Ashram won the gold medal and broke a world record with her clubs routine at the Gymnastics World Cup, with a score of 20.65.
Ashram also placed third in the all-around competition at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Italy, making her the first Israeli to ever win a medal in the category.
She is widely considered one of Israel's best hopes for a medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
