The View from Here
Munich
By Barry Shaw
August 10, 2002
Alex Averbuch today became the European Pole Vault Champion with
a winning jump of 5.85 meters.
Not of great interest, you may think? Think again!
This was the first European Track & Field title ever won by
an Israeli. Averbuch proudly waved the Star of David as he completed
his victory lap of honor in the Munich Olympic Stadium.
His, Israel's, achievement came exactly thirty years after the
Olympic massacre of Israeli sportsmen, in this place, by Palestinian
terrorists in 1972.
Tomorrow, Sunday, a special memorial ceremony is due to take place
at the stadium to honor the murdered Jewish athletes.
More than a few tears were shed when a packed stadium saluted
an Israeli athlete, heard the 'HaTikva' played in the Munich Olympic
Stadium and saw the Israeli flag raised to the top of the flagpole.
For those who recall seeing our flag drooped depressingly at half
mast thirty years ago, today's event was a moment of great significance
and emotion.
Now Israel is proudly back, and heads and spirits were raised
high by the success of Alex Averbuch. Israel's new sporting hero.
The View from Here is written by Barry Shaw - netre@matav.net.il
