In an interview with Israel Hayom following the Israeli rhythmic gymnast's historic Olympic win, Linoy Ashram's coach Ayelet Zussman said, "It's really unbelievable because beyond the history we made with two gymnasts in the finals, it's history to be standing up there on the Olympic podium, it's beyond anything I could have imagined."
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As for her relationship with Ashram, Zussman said: "I am both a coach and a friend, and I both demand and embrace, and I get angry and give kisses. It depends on the situation, but my love for her is unconditional."
Asked what about Ashram made her an Olympic champion, Zussman said: "Her ambition, competitiveness. She works very hard. She's overcome injuries she's been dealing with for years. This wasn't someone who was an underdog. She's been winning medals since 2017."
As for Ashram's final ribbon performance, she said, "It's important for there to be something unique about each routine. The choice of music was precisely for this moment, and the choice of [the song] 'Hava Nagaila' was very important.
"She did everything so well on the path to [hearing the Israeli] national anthem [play in the Olympic arena], and I am so happy," she said.
Ashram's family members were clearly emotional in a phone call with the gymnast immediately after her historic win.
Her mother, Hedva, said: "You did it. I always believed in you.
In a reference to the legendary retired Romanian five-time Olympic gold medalist, she said, "I always said you would be Israel's Nadia Comaneci."
"Congratulations! We're so proud of you. All of us here, we're crying too," Ashram's father, Oren, informed her in their call.
Powerhouse rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram won the gold medal in the rhythmic gymnastics individual competition, ending Russia's decades-long dominance in the sport and bringing Israel its second Olympic gold medal.
Ashram, 22, edged out Russian twins Dina and Arina Averina, who were favorites going into Tokyo. Dina placed second and Arina fell to fourth place. Alina Harnasko of Belarus won the bronze medal.
Her nearly flawless performance included a club routine set to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" and dancing with a ribbon to a techno remix of "Hava Nagila."
She is set to receive a 500,000 shekel ($155,380) grant from the Israeli Olympic Committee for her achievement.
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