Israeli athlete Asaf Yasur has secured a gold medal in Taekwondo at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

The 22-year-old, who currently holds the top world ranking in men’s para-taekwondo and is a two-time world champion, triumphed over Turkey’s Ali Can Ozcan in the men’s -58 kg gold medal match on Thursday. The final bout against Ozcan was a nail-biting affair, with multiple lead changes keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Yasur ultimately emerged victorious with a 19-12 win, claiming the coveted gold medal.

“I said to myself, ‘I will fight for the gold.’ I finished and now I have this medal around my neck,” Yasur said after the match. “One thing interested me, my team, my preparation, my family. We both fought and the best won. It’s been almost 10 years since my injury. In recent years, I’ve been an athlete and I’ve set myself the goal of being the best taekwondo fighter I can be.”

Yasur’s journey to Paralympic glory is a testament to his resilience and determination. At the age of 13, he lost both forearms in a severe accident involving a high-voltage electrical cable. Undeterred by this life-altering event, Yasur began training in Paralympic Taekwondo just three years later.

His rapid rise in the sport saw him win a bronze medal in the -54 kg weight class at Israel’s national championship for adults by the age of 19. Despite missing out on qualifying for the Tokyo Games, Yasur’s unwavering dedication culminated in his triumphant performance in Paris.