Israeli Fencers Embark on Unique Journey to European Championships Amidst Regional Conflict
Three Israeli fencers made headlines this week as they took an unprecedented journey to the European Fencing Championships in Italy. The athletes-Yuval Freilich, Yonatan Cohen, and Dov Bar Vilansky-set sail on a yacht, opting for a maritime route due to airspace closures caused by ongoing military tensions with Iran.
Unconventional Travel Arrangements
In a race against time to arrive at the prestigious event, the fencers navigated through turbulent circumstances. Initially scheduled to fly to the championships, plans changed abruptly when Israel’s airspace was closed. The three decided to travel by sea to maintain their competitive spirit and uplift their countrymen during challenging times.
The journey took approximately 22 hours at sea, followed by an additional 6 hours of flight to reach Italy just a day before the event commenced. Another fencer, Alon Sharid, was unable to join the team. He was replaced by Fyodor Khaperski, who flew in directly from Russia to compete.
Performance at the Championships
The Israeli team concluded the championships in ninth place after a disappointing loss to Germany, which disqualified them from advancing to the quarter-finals. Freilich expressed optimism despite the setback, stating, “After losing early on, ninth place is the best we could achieve. We’re a team that deserves more than ninth place.”
Freilich, at 30, remarked that while the team was proud of their efforts, they did not arrive in peak condition due to their unique travel experience, saying, “Unfortunately, we weren’t sharp enough for the first round, while the Germans had already warmed up.”
A Unique Travel Experience
The unexpected decision to sail to the championships emerged when a former fencer who was chartering a yacht invited them aboard. Freilich described the serene experience on the yacht, stating, “It was incredibly quiet on the deck. We bonded as a team and enjoyed the tranquility of the sea-free from internet and phstarts.”
Freilich also shared a startling moment when they saw rockets launched from Iran in the distance while at sea, creating a striking contrast between the calmness around them and the reality back home.
Looking to the Future
Despite their challenges at the European Championships, the fencers maintain ambitious goals, with eyes set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Freilich remarked, “Our goal is to reach the Olympic Games. We have the potential to compete at the highest levels if we stay sharp in the upcoming crucial competitions.”
The young team’s dynamics combine his experience with fresh energy from younger members like 22-year-old Cohen. Freilich noted the balance within the team, emphasizing improvement and potential for the future.
A Sense of Responsibility
Freilich articulated a profound sense of duty to represent Israel during such critical times. “It’s an honor to represent Israel, especially during a war for our homeland. Our participation signifies resilience and determination. It’s essential for people to know that Israelis are visible on the world’s stage, regardless of the circumstances back home,” he concluded.
The fencers’ journey not only reflects their dedication to their sport but also serves as a symbol of hope and unity for their nation during difficult times