Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko on Friday won the gold medal in women's 50-meter breaststroke at the World Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The result represents the first victory by an Israeli swimmer at the Short Course Championships.
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The silver medal went to Italy's Benedetta Pilato, while Sweden's Sophie Hansson took the bronze.
Speaking to the press, the 18-year-old highlighted the fact that the achievement comes on the heels of the historic peace agreement between Israel and the UAE.

"It's special to me and my country being here in Abu Dhabi after we have peace with them [ the UAE]. Representing my county is such an honor."
THE POWER OF SPORT!
"It's special to me & my country (Israel) being here in Abu Dhabi after we have peace with them (UAE)," says Anastasia Gorbenko after 50m breaststroke World🥇
"Representing my county is such an honour."UAE & Israel signed a historic peace agreement in 2020. pic.twitter.com/lWjWNEZLyl
— Nick Hope - the athlete's journalist 👨💻🏊🏻♂️ (@NickHopeTV) December 17, 2021
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