American wrestler – daughter of Israeli parents – wins gold, says Oct 7 tragedy 'revealed a new element of my identity'

A Jewish American wrestler Amit Elor from California made history on Tuesday by winning her first gold medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming the youngest American wrestler to achieve the victory.

Elor (20) dominated her opponent, Meerim Zhumanazarova from Kyrgyzstan, in the 68-kg women’s freestyle category with a 3-0 score and earning all of her points in the first period.

Immediately following the win, Elor expressed her solidarity with the State of Israel by holding up a yellow ribbon pin in support of the Israeli hostages in Gaza and said: “Bring them home.”

The daughter of two Israeli immigrants to the U.S., Elor says she has received an overwhelming amount of support from Israeli spectators and media outlets.

“I heard last night that almost the whole country of Israel was watching me and that it was on all the news networks, and I just can’t believe all the love I’ve received," she said. “Thanks to everyone!”

“I can’t believe it! I’m an Olympic Champion! It’s such an honor to have Israel’s support! 

Elor described her deep connection to the Jewish state.

"I’ve always felt that to be a huge part of my identity, but especially after the tragedy on Oct. 7, it’s been horrifying, and I feel like it’s revealed a new element of my identity. More than ever, I feel the need to support and represent Israel at this time, with everything happening,” Elor said.

“I’m representing you guys and I’m thinking about you,” the gold medal winner added. “My heart goes out to all of you right now. I am an American proudly wrestling for the US, but in my heart, I am also wrestling for Israel. I really hope that I can bring even just an ounce of joy to the people right now."

Since 2019, Elor has won eight world championships in both age-group and senior-level competitions, achieved 41-0 in international competitions and outscored her opponents with a combined score of 353-8. "I’m surprised anyone scored on her at all," said her coach, Sara McMann. 

Elor said she was “still in disbelief” immediately after her gold medal win. "I think I have a little bit of impostor syndrome because I still feel like that little kid who just started wrestling. But I just became an Olympic champion."

Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar commented on Elor's victory on Wednesday morning.

"Together with all of Israel, I was excited to watch the final and her win. Amit spoke a lot about her connection with Israel, took a picture with the hostages' pin and moved us all. We would be very happy for Amit to make aliyah, to be a part of the Israeli delegation, and represent Israel at the Olympic Games in 2028."

For now, Elor has set her sights on representing the U.S. in the 2028 Olympics in her home state.

"Other than becoming an Olympic champion, my biggest dream of all time is to go to the 2028 Olympics because I’m from California. California is my favorite place to live – I was born and raised in California," she said.

"To have the opportunity to compete and represent not only my country, but my state, and to compete in my own state, is incredible. I have been excited for that ever since I heard about it.”