An Israeli swimmer secured the bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke, marking the Jewish State’s third medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Mark Malyar, who was born with cerebral palsy and competes in the S8 disability class, completed the race with a time of 1:07.42. He finished behind Spain’s Inigo Llopis Sanz and Japan’s Kubota Kota. Malyar, who previously won three medals at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, has three more swimming events scheduled in Paris. His twin brother, Ariel, is also competing in the Paris Paralympics.
Upon receiving his bronze medal, Malyar dedicated it to IDF soldiers. “I want to thank the soldiers and everyone who protects us. Thanks to them, we can train and reach this point; our lives are possible because of their efforts,” he told Israel’s Sport5 broadcaster.
“It felt incredible to see the flag rise; I feel amazing,” he said after the medal ceremony.
