Swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko Mocked In Qatar For Supporting Israel
An Israeli swimmer's statements of support for her war-torn nation prompted an unpleasant response from attendees at a World Aquatics Championships event.
Anastasia Gorbenko was jeered in Qatar on Sunday following her 400-meter medley race. Gorbenko placed second in the event. She dedicated her performance to Israel amid the nation's fight against Hamas as a result of the senseless massacre on Oct. 7.
"I’m just so happy to be here and represent my country in this hard time," Gorbenko said. "Being here with the Israeli flag means a lot to me and to my country, so that’s the best I can do."
Rather than rallying around Gorbenko's fearless support for Israel, the crowds in Qatar grossly jeered at the 20-year-old.
The disrespect against Israel and Gorbenko proved shocking. She made the right move to ‘keep swimming.’
WATCH:
Gorbenko (4:37.36) fell to British swimmer Freya Colbert and Italy’s Sara Franceschi placed third.
DOHA, QATAR - FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Silver Medalist, Anastasia Gorbenko of Team Israel, Gold Medalist, Freya Constance Colbert of Team Great Britain and Bronze Medalist, Sara Franceschi of Team Italy pose with their medals after the Medal Ceremony for the Women's 400m Individual Medley Final on day seventeen of the Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships at Aspire Dome on February 18, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)
Silver medallist Israel's Anastasia Gorbenko poses on the podium of the women's 400m individual medley swimming event during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships at Aspire Dome in Doha on February 18, 2024. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)
Israel's Anastasia Gorbenko poses with her silver medal on the podium of the women's 400m individual medley swimming event during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships at Aspire Dome in Doha on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
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