Gostomelsky breaks Israeli record in 50m freestyle
Syrian swimmer due to use the lane next to Israeli athlete opts to stay out of the contest.
By ALLON SINAI, JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT IN BEIJINGGostomelsky 88(photo credit: )
Anya Gostomelsky capped a superb Olympic swimming competition for the Israel team, recording a new national record in the 50 meter freestyle on Friday.
The 27-year-old touched the wall after 25.23 seconds, but despite winning her heat missed out on a semifinal berth and finished 19th overall.
Syrian Bayan Jumah pulled out of Gostomelsky's heat, refusing to swim alongside an Israeli.
"I didn't notice that the lane was empty. That's her problem," Gostomelsky said of the Syrian's withdrawal.
Of her future the veteran swimmer said: "I will now take a break for a year and then decide. I'm fed up of training, but not of competitions."
