DOHA, QATAR – Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko was jeered by some in the crowd after finishing second in the women’s 400-meter medley on the final day of the World Aquatics Championships in Qatar on Sunday.
Golbenko, 20, was commentating poolside immediately after the race when jeers rang out at Doha’s Aspire Dome.
“I’m very happy to be here and represent my country during these difficult times,” Golbenko said. In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. “It means a lot to me and to my country to be here with the Israeli flag, so that’s the best thing I can do.”
Others in the crowd then drowned out the jeers with applause and cheers.
British swimmer Freya Colbert won in 4:37.14. Gorbenko clocked a time of 4:37.36, followed by Italy’s Sara Franceschi in third place with a time of 4:37.86.
All three attended the medal ceremony later on Sunday.
