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The modern Olympic Games have been held every four years since 1896, except during the two World Wars in 1916, 1940 and 1944. The Olympic Games are the largest event in the world, and not just in sports. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will open on July 26, 2024 and conclude on August 11, 2024. This will be the third time that the French capital has hosted the summer Olympics; the previous times were in 1900 and in 1924. Paris 2024 will mark the 18th time that Israel has sent a delegation of athletes, since their first appearance in Helsinki 1952. Israel won its first Olympic medals at the 1992 Games in Barcelona and its first gold medal in Athens 2004. Israel’s Olympic medalists are: Yael Arad, judo – silver, Barcelona 1992; Oren Smadja, judo – bronze, Barcelona 1992; Gal Fridman, windsurfing – bronze, Atlanta 1996 and gold, Athens 2004; Michael Kolganov, kayaking – bronze, Sydney 2000; Arik Zeevi, judo – bronze, Athens 2004; Shahar Tzuberi, windsurfing – bronze, Beijing 2008; Yarden Gerbi, judo – bronze, Rio de Janeiro 2016; Ori Sasson, judo – bronze, Rio de Janeiro 2016; Artem Dolgopyat, artistic gymnastics - gold, Tokyo 2020; Linoy Ashram, rhythmic gymnastics - gold, Tokyo 2020; Avishag Semberg, taekwondo – bronze, Tokyo 2020; Israel National Judo Team – bronze, Tokyo 2020. Artistic Swimming The sport of Artistic Swimming combines swimming, movement, strength, and synchronized water acrobatics, accompanied by music. The athletes’ swimsuits, makeup and hair are suited to the routine and the music. Artistic Swimming includes different types of routines: men’s and women’s solo (not an Olympic event), duet featuring two female swimmers; mixed duet with one male and one female swimmer; team routine comprised of eight female swimmers (today it is possible to include up to two male swimmers on the team). The solo and duet categories each include two performances: a free routine and a technical routine, which range in length from two to four minutes. The athletes perform in an area measuring 12 x 12 meters in a 3-meter deep pool. Swimmers may not touch the bottom of the pool at any time during the routine. The sport began in Canada in the early 20th century, with official competitions since 1952. It first became an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles Games in 1984. Participation was only for women until the Tokyo 2020 games. Beginning in Paris 2024, men will also be allowed to take part. In addition, these Games will feature the first team acrobatic competition. Israel has consistently had duet swimmers in the Olympics, from Athens 2004 through Tokyo 2020. Duet pair Shelly Bobritsky and Ariel Nassee will represent Israel in Paris 2024. To all philatelic items issued on May 2024
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