Israeli-Arab swimmer Iyad Shalabi wins gold medal in Paralympics

Israeli-Arab swimmer Iyad Shalabi picked up the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke on the first day of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday, finishing in 2:28.04 minutes. 

Shalabi, 34, who grew up Muslim in Shefa-‘Amr, was born deaf and then later was paralyzed in his lower body following an accident at the age of 13.

This is the first medal ever for an Israeli-Arab in an Olympic or Paralympic setting, according to KAN.  

Yaakov Binenson, coach of Iyad Shelby, responded with tears to the win: “I am very excited and happy that he won the gold medal. This is his fourth Olympics. He always finished in fourth place, but he kept going.”

Iyad’s father, Yusuf Shelby, who accompanied his son to Tokyo, stated in an interview: “My heart was pounding. When he overtook his competitor – I cried. He was constantly training. Six years every day he trains. It’s like a dream.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated Shalabi in a tweet, calling him a “champion” and “a symbol of power. We are proud of you for the gold medal. Well done!”

Leader of the Opposition and Likud MK Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated Shalabi on his victory in a tweet.

Culture and Sports Minister Hili Tropper congratulated the Paralympics athlete: “Iyad is an inspiring man whose life is full of victories, and today he delivered another brilliant victory. Iyad was not frightened by the high expectations and filled us all with great pride.”

On Tuesday, the opening ceremony of the 2020 Paralympic Games was held in Tokyo, a couple of weeks after the 2020 Olympics ended, where Israel won two gold medals – with Artem Dolgopyat in men’s gymnastics (floor routine), and Linoy Ashram in women’s rhythmic gymnastics.  

The Israeli delegation includes 33 athletes who will compete in 11 sports, according to KAN.