Israeli swimmer Gorbenko booed as she wins silver in Qatar

A chorus of boos rained down on Gorbenko as she was interviewed by the floor presenter at the Aspire Dome pool after the race.

Israel’s Anastasia Gorbenko in action during the World Aquatics Championships, February 18, 2024 (photo credit: REUTERS/CLODAGH KILCOYNE)
Israel’s Anastasia Gorbenko in action during the World Aquatics Championships, February 18, 2024
(photo credit: REUTERS/CLODAGH KILCOYNE)

Israel swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko was booed by the crowd at the Doha World Championships after finishing runner-up in the women's 400-meter individual medley on Sunday.

Gorbenko's celebrations were spoiled as a chorus of boos rained down from the terraces, drowning out her post-race interview by the floor presenter.

The jeers continued as Gorbenko left the Aspire Dome pool, and she was booed again at the medal ceremony, though there was also applause. Briton Freya Constance Colbert won the race.

The presence of Israeli swimmers at the championships has drawn criticism from some Doha media outlets and pro-Palestine groups amid Israel's military campaign in Gaza, in response to Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

 Israel's Anastasia Gorbenko celebrates on the podium after winning gold at the European Aquatics Championships (credit: REUTERS/ANTONIO BRONIC)
Israel's Anastasia Gorbenko celebrates on the podium after winning gold at the European Aquatics Championships (credit: REUTERS/ANTONIO BRONIC)

Gorbenko: Happy to represent Israel during difficult times

Gorbenko smiled when she mounted the podium and sighed during the mix of boos and cheers from spectators. She later said it was not the first time she had been jeered at the event.

"I've been here a week. I heard all these noises, but I'm with earplugs. I'm in my zone. I'm here to do what I love to do, which is sports," she told reporters.

"I'm here to represent my country... And I'm doing this with the Israeli flag, and I'm proud of that. And whoever doesn't like it, it's just not my problem."