Jonatan Kopelev (or Yehonatan, ; born 1 October 1991) is an Israeli swimmer. He competes in 100 m backstroke, 200 m backstroke, and 50 m backstroke. He won a
gold medal
A gold medal is a medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture.
Since the eighteenth century, gold medals have b ...
Kopelev began swimming at age seven, at the Maccabi Haifa Carmel club. He and his wife Monada live in Haifa, Israel.
Swimming career
His club is Maccabi Haifa. Kopelev competes in 100 m backstroke, 200 m backstroke, and 50 m backstroke.
Kopelev won a
gold medal
A gold medal is a medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture.
Since the eighteenth century, gold medals have b ...
in the 50 metre backstroke at the 2012 European Aquatics Championships in Debrecen, Hungary. In doing so he became the first Israeli swimmer to win a gold medal at the European championships. He qualified for the 2012 Olympics, swimming a 54.38 in the 100 m backstroke in a competition in Slovenia in June 2012, but was unable to compete in the Games due to an
appendectomy
An appendectomy (American English) or appendicectomy (British English) is a Surgery, surgical operation in which the vermiform appendix (a portion of the intestine) is removed. Appendectomy is normally performed as an urgent or emergency procedur ...
.
Kopelev came in eighth in the men’s 50 m backstroke at the