Israel’s national gymnastics team has halted all training and activities in light of recent Iranian strikes, which followed a US-supported operation against Iran. The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) conveyed to Fox News Digital that the situation has resulted in what they termed “unavoidable chaos.”
“The current security climate in our region has disrupted our regular training schedule, introducing significant uncertainty for the national team’s plans, particularly as we approach the international competition season,” the IGF stated.
“Right now, all training is on hold until we receive clearance from the appropriate authorities to safely resume. Naturally, the suspension and the closure of airspace have caused considerable stress and concern. However, the health and safety of our gymnasts and staff are paramount. We sincerely hope for a return to safer times when we can focus again on our sport.”
On Saturday, team officials remarked that gymnasts have been relocated between air raid shelters since the Iranian counterattacks began. Notably, Israel’s gymnastics team ranks among the nation’s strongest Olympic squads, alongside its judo and sailing teams. Just last week, they returned from a successful outing at the Gymnastics World Cup in Germany, where Artem Dolgopyat clinched gold in floor gymnastics.
For now, the team is prioritizing safety until the attacks cease.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem advised all American government staff and their families to remain sheltered at home. Meanwhile, Iran continues its missile attacks on Israel.
The embassy has announced a closure on March 2 due to security concerns, with no indication of when it might reopen. This closure affects both embassies in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They added that they are currently unable to evacuate American nationals or assist them in leaving Israel, as Ben Gurion Airport is closed, and no flights are operating.
Prior to the onset of Operation Epic Fury, the embassy urged non-essential personnel to leave Israel immediately, if they wished to do so.
On Sunday, Iranian airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least eight Israelis, as missiles landed just miles from Jerusalem, specifically hitting the city of Beit Shemesh. Initial reports indicated four fatalities, but the Israeli State Emergency Service later confirmed the death toll had risen.
These Iranian attacks were reported as counterattacks against U.S. military bases in Israel and the broader Middle East after a joint U.S.-Israel mission resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with several other high-ranking officials in the Iranian military.
