Video: i24NEWS
Ukrainian-born Israeli gymnastics standout Artem Dolgopyat took home Israel's firsts gold of the 2021 Olympics, winning the floor exercise of the artistic gymnastics event.
The 24-year-old Dolgopyat is now the Jewish state's second gold-medallist following Gal Friedman's 2004 victory in windsurfing.
Israel's Hanna Knyazyeva-Minenko will compete for a medal in the women’s triple jump at 2:15 pm local time.
Prior to Dolgopyat's performance, the Israeli team had managed to collect two bronze medals, short of the seven medal tally expected at the outset of the 2021 Games, but a good result for the national team nevertheless.
After the win, Prime Minister Bennett congratulated Dolgopyat, writing: "Thank you, Artem. You made Israeli history. Congratulations on your gold-medal performance in the Tokyo Olympics. You've brought pride to the entire nation of Israel. Hatikva (Israel's national anthem) will soon be heard at the Olympic stadium and our national flag will be hoisted above."
Bennett went as far as interrupting a cabinet meeting to place a personal call to the gold-winning athlete, praising Dolgopyat for, "making history," to which the latter replied: "I'm very satisfied with the win. I've fulfilled my dream and represented the State of Israel with honor. I'd like to thank all those who accompanied me in that moment. It warms my heart."
Opposition leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, added: "Great job, Artem! You've brought a huge achievement to Israel. We're all proud of you."
President Isaac Herzog joined a list of diplomats offering their congratulations to Dolgopyat on the big win.
"Great job, Artem," he wrote. "You're incredible. The State of Israel is proud of your historic achievement!"