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Israeli athletes have prepared for an unusual Olympic experience. They expect their time at the Games to be like their own, fraught with protests, tight security, heavy scrutiny and questions surrounding politics and the raging war in Gaza. “It’s a shame, but it is what it is,” said Israeli marathon runner Maor Tiyouri before arriving in Paris. Ms Tiyouri, who also competed in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, has been competing internationally since she was 16. He said the 33-year-old travels without wearing any national costume and has an Israeli flag on his national team backpack. “It’s always been like this,” Ms Tiyouri said, adding: “It’s hard, but it is what it is and if it means I’m safer then I’ll do it.” For Israeli surfer Anat Lelior, who made the last 32 in the women’s surfing competition, the situation was no different. Representing Israel “was very different today,” he said in Tihupo’o, Tahiti, where the surfing competition was held. “I don’t go around saying I’m Israeli anymore, just for my safety.” Israeli athletes have been told not to join protests or discussions or to voice their opinions on the war, whatever they may be. Many say they are being asked to self-censor, which is exhausting but expected. Athletes say that for many, they feel like they are a flag, not a person or athlete with their own beliefs or political views, but a reservoir of anger or frustration. There have been some tense interactions among athletes. He said 100-meter backstroke swimmer Adam Maraana, the first Arab Israeli to represent Israel since 1976, tried to swap pins with an Algerian athlete but was rebuffed. (Swapping the pins is an Olympic tradition. Countries, sports and brands create special Olympic pins, and athletes display their finds on their identification lanyards.) “I understand it’s their choice, but it’s a little disappointing,” Maraana said. Still, the athletes cling to the joy of being at the Olympics. Itamar Einhorn, a soft-spoken Israeli cyclist competing in his first Olympics, struggled to balance the emotions and complexities of representing Israel and fulfilling a childhood dream. The news from home affected him greatly, but he exclaimed, “This is a very special experience.”
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