President Isaac Herzog speaks by phone with Linoy Ashram to congratulate her on winning an Olympic gold meal in rhythmic gymnastics.
“You’re a tremendous pride to the whole country. When we saw the tears flowing from your hears, the Israeli flag being raised, ‘Hatikva’ being played and the gold medal on your neck — we were excited to the point of tears,” Herzog is quoted saying in a statement from his office.
He also says “don’t take any objections to heart,” referring to Russian protests against the judges granting of the gold medal to Ashram.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also hails Ashram as a “symbol of effort and hard work.”
“Like her mother Hedva said: A true wonder woman,” Bennett adds.
Culture and Sports Minister Chili Troper says she’s one of the greatest athletes in Israel’s history.
“Thank you for letting us take part in your incredible journey,” he says, according to Army Radio.
