Israeli Olympic profiles: Israel Rhythmic Gymnastics Team

With three medals at the recent European Championships in Holon, the girls are excited to impress in Rio.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Israel Rhythmic Gymnastics Team (photo credit: Courtesy)
Israel Rhythmic Gymnastics Team
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Names and ages: (from left) Yuval Filo (18), Ekaterina Levina (19), Alona Koshevatskiy (18), Karina Lykhvar (17) and Ida Mayrin (18)
Event: Women’s Group Rhythmic Gymnastics
Schedule in Rio: Qualifiers – August 20, final – August 21
Career highlight: Gold medal in Clubs and Hoops final at 2016 European Championships in Holon
Outlook for Rio: The Israel roster was rebuilt at the start of 2014 with the goal of reaching the Olympics for a third straight time in Rio. The previous national teams advanced to the final at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and the current squad is expected to do the same in Rio and perhaps even challenge for a medal, although last month’s storm surrounding coach Ira Vigdorchik and her behavior towards the gymnasts will not help. The team won three medals at the recent European Championships in Holon, the most significant of which was the bronze in the All-Around final as that is the only event contested at the Olympics.