Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashram competes at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Kyiv, Nov. 29, 2020. (Photo/JTA-Sergei Supinsky-AFP via Getty Images) Sports Israeli gymnast wins gold at European Championships Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By Gabe Friedman, JTA | November 30, 2020 Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashram won a gold medal in the individual rhythmic category at the European Championships on Sunday, becoming the first athlete to win the prize in decades who was not from a former member of the Soviet bloc. Ashram edged out Alina Harnasko of Belarus in a nearly unprecedentedly close tiebreaker. Israel also won the group rhythmic gymnastics gold at the competition in Kyiv, Ukraine. Several highly rated teams, including Russia, Bulgaria and Italy, did not participate this year due to the logistical complications of the coronavirus pandemic. Ashram, a 21-year-old Israeli Defense Forces veteran born to Mizrahi and Sephardic parents, will represent Israel at the Tokyo Olympics, which has been rescheduled to summer 2021. Gabe Friedman Gabe Friedman is deputy managing editor at the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. JTA Content distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. Also On J. Sports All the Jewish athletes to watch at the Tokyo Olympics Sports A record year for Israel at the Olympics? Celebrity Jews Drake-scented candles; Andy Samberg defends Oscar diversity rule Sports Israel wins 3rd Olympic gold medal, Russians cry foul Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up