Israeli swimmer Nimrod Shapira Bar-Or on Sunday secured a spot in the semifinal of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games' 200 meter men's freestyle on Sunday, after being placed first in the qualifier, in which he broke a national record, completing the heat in 1:48:78 seconds.

Moments earlier, Israeli swimmer Anja Gostomelsky also broke a national record in the 100 meter backstroke qualifier. Gostomelsky completed the qualifier in 1:00:87 seconds, placed second the qualifier. Despite her result, she did not qualify for the semifinal .

After a spectacular Gala opening at the Beijing Olympic Games on Friday, Israeli athletes made their mark at the first day of the Games, but failed to score any medals on Saturday.

Israeli swimmer Tom Be'eri set a new Israeli record  in Beijing in the 100m breaststroke category, finishing an overall fourth. Iran pulled out its swimmer Mohammed Alirezaei at the last minute prior to the race after realising he would have to compete in the same race as Be'eri.

Swimmer Gal Nevo finished 11th place in the 200 meters individual medley and Anya Gostomelsky finished 36th place in the women's 100 meter butterfly, improving her personal record.

Judoka player Gal Yekutiel gave a spectacular fight in the men's 60 kilogram category but failed to win the coverted bronze medal. In a series of games leading up to the final fight for the medal, Yekutiel succeeded in winning the majority of matches against his opponent.

Israeli gymnast Alex Shetilov advanced to the finals in the men's floor exercises, after giving an impressive all round performance on the floor.

08/10/08