There was enormous satisfaction in the Sailing Association following the fantastic achievement on Saturday evening at the iQFOiL Open European Championships, as Hebrew media reported that windsurfer Tamar Steinberg won gold and Shahar Tibi finished behind her with the silver medal.
“I am happy to win the competition,” Steinberg said shortly after her victory. “Over the past few months, I felt that I was in good shape. I wanted to come to the competition and make that happen. Until now, I had been a world championship runner up, and I already wanted to win a major target competition. I was concentrated and focused. I knew I needed to give it my all. I did not have my best abilities on the water today, but it happened because I felt I needed to do it. I feel that I have to be the best during this period, because while others are fighting for the country as soldiers, I am an outstanding athlete. Shahar Tibi finished second and showed great ability. The boys also competed well. We have a great women’s and men’s team.”
The championship website stated that while Steinberg won gold, Tibi came in third and took bronze.
National team coach Shahar Zubari continued to excel and said, “Tamar was goal-oriented and committed to the process. She wants to get to Los Angeles focused on a medal, and all the target competitions along the way are very important. She did things in an impressive way. Tamar makes things look easy, but she works very hard. It is great that Shahar Tibi is second in Europe and Daniela Peleg finished fourth among the Europeans and sixth overall. We have a committed team and an excellent association behind us.”
Steinberg added regarding her goals: “Clearly, the goal is Los Angeles 28. We are four great girls. Each one is a favorite. My goal is to be good all the time. I always want to be at the top. My goal is to arrive in Los Angeles as a clear and natural candidate for the gold medal.”
The young champion elaborated and said: “I am already in my fourth year in the senior ranks, even though I am still not 20, so I feel experienced. We are at a high level and have a lot of power in the team. There will be tough competition for the ticket to the Olympic Games. I continue to work through the national team and believe things will work out in my favor.”
Zubari said that Sharon Kantor is returning from injury and therefore did not travel to the competition. “Everyone will need to be at their best in order to represent Israel in Los Angeles.” Regarding the successful women’s team he coaches, he said: “I am there for each of the athletes equally. I have been in the role for five years. The athletes understand the advantage of being part of a national team.”
Sailing Association chairman Shai Buber added, “We have the best team in the world. The new windsurfing model has already been around for four years, and the Chinese have entered it strongly. We need to continue working hard. I see Tamar’s investment. This achievement did not come out of nowhere. These moments make all the investment by the association worth it.”