The Israeli Olympic Committee have announced what they describe as being their best ever squad for an Olympic Games.
With the start of the London Games less than a month away, Israel have named a squad of 36 athletes, which officials hope will include a first female medal winner.
Efraim Zinger, Secretary General of the IOC, told the Jewish News: "I'm happy with the squad and believe it is the strongest squad Israel have ever taken to the Games. It's a squad that on one hand is relatively young and enthusiastic, and for about 50 percent of the athletes, it will be their first Olympics. But at the same time, we have a very experienced squad, including gymnastic world-medallists, a three-time world champion and others who have won medals in European Championships. There is a good mixture between newcomers and experienced athletes."And happy with the squad assembled, Zinger's even more happy with the fact that there are so many females in the squad. "Fifty percent of the athletes are female and that really makes us happy," he said. "And part of our expectation is that one of those female athletes will make their way up to the podium."
Pinpointing three clear targets for the Games, he said: "We set the goals and target for the delegation back at the end of 2009, and they remain the goal now. Firstly, and most important, is to come back with at least one medal - which would mean London would be the sixth competitive Games where weve won an Olympic medal.
"Secondly, after 20 years, we also want to see a female Israeli athlete win a medal, and thirdly, we want to win a medal in a new sport, having won in judo, windsurfing and kayak.
"We have a very good sailing team, an outstanding gymnastics team including Alex Shatilov and also in judo with Ariel Zeevi and Alice Schlesinger who have won European and World medals. They are where the medals will come from."
Zinger's views were echoed by Zvi Varshaviak, the President of the Israeli Olympic Committee. He said: "I think this is the best delegation, quality wise, Israel has ever sent to theOlympics. In previous Olympics we hoped for two and usually won one [medal], but this time I believe that we can return with three."
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Source: http://www.totallyjewish.com/sport/c-18365/israel-announce-olympic-squad/
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