Athens 2004
The Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 2004, were the 28th in the modern era, which began in 1896. 201 countries sent a record number of 10,625 athletes.
The impressive opening ceremony concluded with the lighting of the torch by the Greek surfer Nikos Kaklamanakis.
The American swimmer Michael Phelps achieved a wonderful feat by winning 6 gold medals and 2 bronze medals.
The Moroccan athlete Hicham El Guerrouj won the gold medal in the 1500 meters and 5000 meters races.
British Katie Holmes added two more gold medals to her country’s tally by winning the 800 and 1500 meter races.
The USA finished in first place in the medal table with 35 gold medals before China with 32 gold medals. Russia finished third in the medal table, with 27 gold medals and a total of 92 medals.
The Israeli delegation to the Athens Games consisted of 36 athletes and achieved tremendous success.
The surfer Gal Friedman made history when he won the first historic gold medal for Israel, which led to the first playing of the “Hatikvah” anthem at the Olympic Games.
The judoka Arik Zeevi also won a bronze medal and brought great honor to Israel.