Israeli pole-vaulter Alex Averbukh soared higher than everyone else - 5.85 meters (19.3 feet) - and was awarded Israel’s first-ever gold medal in a major competition. It occurred at the European Athletics Championships in Munich, Germany, last night. Averbukh, who immigrated to Israel in 1999, dedicated his win to his recently deceased father and to the people of Israel. He broke down in tears as the Israeli flag was raised and HaTikvah, Israel's national anthem, was played during the victory ceremony.
Averbukh’s triumph came a day before this morning's memorial ceremony for 11 Israeli athletes slain by PLO terrorists exactly 30 years ago at the 1972 Munich Olympics. All 17 Israeli athletes competing this year’s European championship games, along with the relatives of those killed at the 1972 games, took part in the commemoration. A monument has been erected outside Munich’s Olympic stadium in memory of the victims.
Averbukh’s triumph came a day before this morning's memorial ceremony for 11 Israeli athletes slain by PLO terrorists exactly 30 years ago at the 1972 Munich Olympics. All 17 Israeli athletes competing this year’s European championship games, along with the relatives of those killed at the 1972 games, took part in the commemoration. A monument has been erected outside Munich’s Olympic stadium in memory of the victims.