Tel Aviv-born athlete Blessing Afrifah clinches back-to-back gold medals in the 200-meter sprint, making Israel proud at the 2025 U-23 Championships in Bergen.
Bergen, Norway – July 2025
Israeli sprint sensation Blessing Akwasi Afrifah made history on Saturday by winning gold for the second consecutive year in the 200-meter race at the U-23 European Championships, held this year in Bergen.
The 21-year-old athlete, born in Tel Aviv to Ghanaian parents, delivered an electrifying performance, crossing the finish line in 20.64 seconds, narrowly edging out his Italian rival, who clocked 20.69 seconds.
Afrifah’s victory solidifies his rising star status in international athletics. He also won gold in the same event last year at the championships in Finland, with a time of 20.67 seconds.
As Afrifah stood atop the podium, the Israeli flag was raised and the national anthem, “Hatikva,” echoed through the stadium — a moment of pride for both the athlete and the nation.
His consistent excellence on the track continues to inspire a new generation of Israeli athletes and symbolizes the diversity and potential within Israel’s sporting community.
