Windsurfer nets Israel's first medal in Atlanta

by POST SPORTS STAFF

JERUSALEM (July 30) - Windsurfer Gal Friedman became Israel's third-ever Olympic medalist yesterday by capturing the bronze medal in the Mistral event.

The 21-year-old edged out New Zealand's Aaron McIntosh in the ninth race to maintain his third-place overall finish, which he had held since Sunday.

World champion Nikos Kaklamanakis of Greece won the gold and Argentinian Carlos Espinola took the silver.

Friedman thus joins 1992 silver medalist Yael Arad and bronze medalist Oren Smadja in the national sports pantheon.

Israel's member on the IOC Alex Gilady will present the medal to Friedman.