Yuval Freilich’s bid for Olympic glory in Paris came to a swift end on Sunday, with the Israeli fencer bowing out after just nine minutes of competition. In an exclusive interview with AFP, Freilich described his early exit as a “huge disappointment,” but maintained a broader perspective on the experience.
The 29-year-old, who has made headlines as the first Israeli man to win a European fencing championship and qualify for the Olympics in epee, faced an unexpected setback. Ranked seventh in Paris, Freilich was ousted in the last-32 round by Italy’s Andrea Santarelli, who was ranked 19 places lower. The defeat left Freilich visibly distraught, as he was seen weeping on the shoulder of a team staff member.
“I am deeply disappointed right now, and I expect that feeling to intensify as time passes,” Freilich confessed to AFP. Despite his personal setback, he took solace in the support of his family and the fact that he had achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the Olympics.
Freilich’s sense of perspective was shaped by the broader context of his home country’s situation. Israel is currently engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza, with tensions also rising with Hezbollah in Lebanon. “Representing my country is something I am incredibly proud of,” Freilich said. “Even though my defeat seems minor compared to the larger issues back home, it’s important for my country to see its athletes on the world stage.”
He refrained from using the ongoing war as an excuse for his performance, though he acknowledged that it had impacted his training regimen. “The war has made things a bit more complicated, but it hasn’t significantly impaired my preparations. We had to adjust our training routines, but the fact that I made it here is still a fantastic achievement.”
Freilich, who grew up with a passion for fencing inspired by his father Gabby, first fell in love with the sport at age five. His early dreams of sword fighting, shaped by visions of cinematic action, were tempered by the reality of the sport as he witnessed it during the 2000 Olympics.
related topics:
