Israeli Sprinter Blessing Afrifah Wins Gold Again—A Symbol of Strength and Hope
Israeli sprinter Blessing Afrifah defended his European U23 200m title in Norway, celebrating with the Israeli flag and expressing pride in bringing joy to Israel during challenging times. His journey from a child of Ghanaian immigrants to a national hero, combined with his IDF service, underscores his role as a symbol of resilience and unity.
On July 20, 2025, 21-year-old Israeli sprinting sensation Blessing Afrifah solidified his status as a track star by defending his European U23 200m championship title in Bergen, Norway, clocking an impressive 20.64 seconds, matching his gold-medal performance from the previous year. Immediately after crossing the finish line, Afrifah draped himself in the Israeli flag, a powerful gesture of national pride. “First of all, I’m very, very happy,” he said post-race. “I’m happy to finish the championship with the Israeli flag on me – it’s an honor. I’m glad I was able to bring a bit of light, a bit of joy during these difficult times. I’m truly happy. Proud to defend my title. There’s no one happier than me.” Addressing concerns about antisemitism, he added, “We’re far from all that here, we’re really on good terms with everyone.”
Born in Tel Aviv to Ghanaian parents of Akan descent, Afrifah’s journey embodies resilience. His parents, who arrived in Israel as tourists in the 1990s, settled in Ramat Gan after his father worked for Ghana’s embassy and his mother as a cleaner. In 2010, the family secured permanent residency under a policy protecting children of foreign workers born in Israel. At 16, Afrifah personally appealed to then-Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, earning full Israeli citizenship in 2020. “I’m an Israeli,” he declared then. “I was born here, my friends are here… I want to represent Israel and win medals.” He has fulfilled that vow, both on the track and through mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces since 2022.
Afrifah’s victory, his second consecutive European U23 title, comes amid heightened tensions in Israel following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 and took 251 hostages. His achievement, viewed by over 500,000 on X, sparked widespread pride, with one user posting, “Blessing Afrifah is a true Israeli hero, shining light in dark times.” His sister, Mercy, also a sprinter, competed in the women’s 200m, placing fifth. Afrifah’s success, alongside his military service, marks him as a symbol of Israel’s unity and strength, inspiring a nation facing ongoing conflict.