Gold for Zaretsky in China

The Maariv, Feb.24th, 2009
By Nir Shuali

Ice dancers Alexandra and Roman Zaretsky won gold yesterday making history for Israel at the Winter Universiade in China.  The brother and sister coached by Galit Chait earned 88.99 points for their free dance, an excellent 5-point lead over Ekaterina Rubleva and Ivan Shefer of Russia, who placed second. The Zaretsky accumulated a total score of 177.43, more than 7 points ahead of the Russians. It's the first time Israeli athletes took part in the Universiade. The Zaretsky are students of Tel Aviv University, which allowed them to compete in the event. Zvi Varshavyak, the Israel Olympic Committee chairman, and Eitan Rov, the honorary secretary, have signed on the International Olympic Committee invitation to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year. It's the 5th time in a row Israel takes part in Winter Olympics, and right now there are 5 athletes that will be competing for meeting the qualification criteria for the Games – the Zaretsky, Tamar Katz ( who are going to World Championships in Los Angeles in March), Michael Rengin ( alpine skiing), and Vladislav Bykanov ( short-track).

Our note: 4 of the 5 athletes mentioned in the article are from the Israel Ice Skating Federation.