Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team heads to Olympic finals

Israel's Neta Rivkin competes using the ribbon in her individual all-around gymnastics qualification match at the Wembley Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 10. Photo by REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team heads to Olympic finals

August 10, 2012

(JTA) – Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics secured a spot in the finals at the London Games.

The Israeli team on Friday came in seventh place at the end of the qualifying round. The top eight teams proceed to the finals, which will be held on Sunday.

The rhythmic gymnastics Israel team of Polina Zakaluzny, Viktoriya Koshel, Noa Palatchy, Moran Buzovski and Marina Shults advanced to the group final with a score of 53.100. The Israelis performed using three ribbons and two hoops.

The five-member team performed to a klezmer-infused version of the Hebrew classic “Hava Nagilah,” reported Times of Israel.

Also, Israeli gymnast Neta Rivkin, ranked 14th at the 2008 Beijing games, advanced to Saturday’s finals with a score of 108.900 at the rhythmic gymnastics individuals all-around final after a strong performance with the clubs and ribbon.

She won the bronze medal in the All-around at the 2012 World Cup series in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.