Today, an incredible story unfolded for Israeli athletes, particularly for Peter Paltchik, at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Deeply affected by the loss of his coach Oren Smadja's son due to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, Paltchik stood by his coach during these trying times.
The loss was a significant personal blow to Coach Smadja’s family, a situation acknowledged by President Netanyahu, who supported the Israeli team coach. Together, Paltchik and Smadja celebrated a medal that symbolized resilience and a tribute to overcoming pain for both the coach and the entire team.
Peter Paltchik addressed the media after securing the medal for his country.
On winning Israel's first medal at Paris 2024:
"I'm so proud, I'm so happy, I'm so thrilled to bring it home after a very difficult day. There were uphills, downhills, the energy was so intense. Some great ippons. A crazy crowd. Thank you to all the crowd who came all the way from Israel to cheer me during this day. It was history for me. I hope I made their day and made them happy. The first medal for (Paris) 2024 goes for me, for Israel, and I hope many more will follow."
On how the 'difficult day' gave him strength:
"It gave me motivation and spirit because the world is going through hell, and my country especially. I respect so much the Olympic values and I hope very much for world peace, and for my country as well. For all the families facing difficulties and all the families that have lost their dear ones. I am devoting my win, my medal, to all the families of my country, to everyone. They are with me in their heart, and they were with me during this day. I hope I made them happy."
On having a penalty withdrawn during his bronze medal bout:
"I didn't think I'd lost it. I thought that this was a mistake because all through the fight I was looking with half an eye on the judges' board and I saw only one penalty, and so I could take one more. I knew it was a mistake, and so I stayed calm. I respect the referees, they are humans like you and me, and sometimes they make mistakes. So when the mistake was deleted, I knew that I had five seconds, the longest five seconds I ever had, and I knew what I had to do, and I'm so glad I did it."
On being a flagbearer for Israel during the Opening Ceremony:
"It was one of the biggest honors I have had in my life, to be a flagbearer, to carry my country's flag and represent my country. I flew my flag so high during the ceremony and I felt the energy. I saw some Israeli flags during the sailing on the boat and I knew that a lot of people came from Israel to cheer all the athletes, to cheer the team. And we have a wonderful team, so many special, strong athletes."
On shutting out what is happening in the world:
"It wasn't easy to put it to one side and to focus. You know what is happening (in the world). I was a flagbearer and I felt very much in the last week all the energy on my social media profiles, and all the people cheering for me, people who didn't even come here. So I knew I had a big responsibility. But I succeeded in putting things to one side and focusing, that was my secret, during this very long day. I respect Olympic values, and the most important is world peace. I pray for that with all my heart. I don't want to see any casualties, it doesn't matter on which side, pain is pain, and I hope we get to better days."
Peter Paltchik's journey and his heartfelt words resonate not just as a testament to his athletic prowess but also as a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the unifying spirit of the Olympic Games.