Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko, 17, has won a historic gold medal at the European Championships in Budapest this weekend, setting a new Israeli record for the 200-meter individual medley: 2:09:99.
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The young swimmer was the fastest qualifier in the semifinal, which she completed in 2:10:35, a new Israeli record before she proceeded to smash it in the final event.
In 2018, Gorbenko won the gold for the same event at the European Youth Olympic Games, and in 2019 won two silver medals at the European Youth Olympic Games.
Video: Israel Swimming Association
Gorbenko is only the second Israeli swimmer to become a European champion. She joins Jonathan Kopelev, who won the gold medal for the 50-meter backstroke in December 2012.
Gorbenko beat Abbie Wood of Britain by 4/100ths of a second.
After her golden performance, Gorbenko said, "It's hard to take in, but I'm really happy. I'm very surprised, realizing it slowly. I'm really proud of myself for proving that we're a very strong country. It was important to me, not for myself but for the country and what is happening there, because I can't be with my friends and family at this difficult time. Being the European champion with the Israeli flag makes me proud."
Culture and Sport Minister Chili Tropper congratulated Gorbenko for her "amazing achievement."
"Anastasia, who this summer has become European champion at only 17, and brings us pride after difficult days for Israel, signifies a rosy future for Israeli swimming," Tropper said.
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