TIMES OF ISRAEL
Israel’s modest gold medalist: Artem Dolgopyat proves a disarming Olympic hero
by David Horovitz
August 1, 2021

Artem Dolgopyat, Israel’s first gold winner of the Tokyo Olympics, and only its second gold medal winner ever, must be one of the most modest individuals ever to step onto the top level of the Olympic podium. When the last of his rivals had completed his routine in the artistic gymnastics floor exercise on Sunday, and it became clear that he had won the gold, Dolgopyat wrapped himself in an Israeli flag and raised a fist in celebration, but he did so gently, almost embarrassedly. This was no “I’m the best in the world” swaggering fist pump. There was no victory scream, no dance of celebration, at the achievement of a lifetime — a victory he has worked toward since he started gymnastics at age 6, prompted by his gymnast father. READ MORE