Olympics News Iranian judoka boycotts Israeli at Olymics Iranian world champion Arash Mir-Esmaeili was hoping he would not find himself facing Israeli Ehud Vaks in the Olympics. However, yesterday he faced the decision of whether to take on his opponent and thereby recognize Israel, or give up his hopes for Olympic gold and face potential personal sanctions.
Yoav Stern (16/08/04)
Friedman up to 3rd in Mistral Gal Friedman moved up to the bronze medal spot after the second day's men's Mistral sailboard race, while Marina Kravchenko downed the reigning European champion to move into the last 32 in the women's table tennis singles in an improved second day of competition for Israel.
Haaretz Sports Staff (16/08/04)
Gofman advances to historic appearance in gymastics final Gymnast Pavel Gofman secured a historic berth in the men's all-around gymnastics final yesterday, while Marina Kravchenko won her opening match in the women's table tennis singles in what was an otherwise disappointing opening day of Olympic competition for Israel.
Haaretz Sports Staff (15/08/04)
Athens Olympics to open today in shadow of 9/11 ATHENS - The first Summer Olympics since 9/11 will open here tonight, and the American delegation to the Games is in a state of controlled panic, given concern by some of its members that they will be targeted by terrorists.
Ron Koffman (13/08/04)
The team in focus Averbukh soars for a place among the gods Alex Averbukh's career as a pole-vaulter in Israel somewhat horrifically typifies individual sport in the Jewish state.
Yoav Borowitz and Yoav Goren (13/08/04)
Surf before school Lee Korzits, who won the 2003 World Championship at the age of just 19 and took first place at the pre-Olympic regatta in Greece, carries high hopes of a medal in the women's Mistral sailboard event.
Omer Rapaport (13/08/04)
From the USSR with love Israel has high hopes for a medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, but a decade ago, before the big wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union, Israel's connection to the sport was tenuous at best.
Yoav Goren (13/08/04)
A real dream of Olympic gold Israel's Greco-Roman wrestling coach Lev Chimkind is afraid of the evil eye, so he doesn't want to predict the chances that the senior wrestler in his stable - 86-kilo class world champion Gocha Tsitsiashvili - will bring home Israel's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Haim Shadmi (29/07/04)
Looking for an Olympic partner Vika Yarmolinska starts training at 9 A.M. with a stretching and power workout, followed by two hours in the pool.
Haim Shadmi (29/03/04)
Row, row, row your boat - and then row more Lior Carmi paddles about 500 kilometers a month, at approximately five and a half minutes per kilometer, stroking the water 65 times per minute, pulling 25 kilograms of water each stroke.
Haim Shadmi (18/02/04)
Fighting for an Olympic spot with 'bundles of patience' About a year ago, fencer Ayelet Ohayon began to ponder her future. At 29, she is no longer a youngster in sporting terms; and recently, she has even been mulling retirement after this summer's Athens Olympics.
Haim Shadmi (12/01/04)
Background and analysis Out of this world A popular viewing strategy is to watch the opening Olympic Games ceremony down to the last detail, dip in and out of the swimming and gymnastics, and to reengage once the track-and-field action begins in the second week.
Jerrold Kessel (16/08/04)
Suspension of disbelief As we prepare to settle in for a 16-day revel before our screens, spare a moment to consider those who will not be able to part of the great spectacle.
Doron Rosenblum (15/08/04)
Dedication is the name of this great game As we prepare to settle in for a 16-day revel before our screens, spare a moment to consider those who will not be able to part of the great spectacle.
Jerrold Kessel (13/08/04)
Showdown on the high seas A huge poster of windsurfer Nikos Kaklamanakis greets those arriving at the new international airport in Athens. For the Greeks, Kaklamanakis is a god-like figure.
Omer Rapaport (13/08/04)
Not just medals At least a quarter of the 36 members of the Israeli team offer real hope for a medal. But we should not expect more from a true athlete than the best that he or she can give. If they do, we can raise our heads in pride.
Editorial (12/08/04)
Will these be the best Games in history? The Greeks surprised even themselves, and with a huge effort have managed to remove obstacles and renovate the city and its road system, sending the world a clear message: We are ready for the challenge.
Ron Koffman (12/08/04
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