Grief despite victory: “The heart is broken”
Published 2024-07-28 15.57
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PARIS. Victory in the Olympic debut – then Swede Nebil Ibrahim, 23, had mixed feelings afterwards.
He was “forced” to defeat Wasim Abusal, 20, from Palestine.
– My heart breaks, says Ibrahim.
The 23-year-old Uppsala boxer was superior throughout the match and took Sweden’s first Olympic victory in boxing since 2012 – despite the opponent trying to psych him out with various antics such as sticking out his tongue.
– Yes, and before the match he stood up and barked like a dog. He tried to be a bit scary, but it didn’t work, says Nebil Ibrahim.
He was of course happy about the victory, but at the same time sad that it was precisely a Palestinian he defeated – Palestine’s first Olympic boxer ever.
– I am a big supporter of Palestine, so when I got the draw I was very sad, my heart breaks. But I’m here to win gold and then I have to destroy his dream at the same time. I try to turn it around and see it as an honor to be the one to face the first Palestinian Olympic boxer.
Showed respect
In the packed hall on the northern outskirts of Paris, it was clear with all the desired clarity who was the favorite of the audience.
Wasim Abusal, not Nebil Ibrahim.
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full screen Nebil Ibrahim paid tribute to his opponent after the victory Photo: Max
But after the victory, the Swede showed respect by letting Abusal stand in the middle of the ring and receive the crowd’s cheers.
– It is not easy for Palestinian athletes, especially boxers, to make it to the Olympics. He received a wildcard, but showed that he is at a good level to do so. All praise and all respect to him. Free Palestine!, says Nebil Ibrahim.
“Then it will be gold”
On Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. he faces the reigning world champion Abdumalik Khalokov, Uzbekistan.
– If I win that match, then it will be damn gold!
You can disturb him?
– Absolutely. In the ring everyone has a chance, there are no free matches.
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full screen Nebil Ibrahim won the round of 16 Photo: Joel Marklund / Bildbyrån
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full screen Photo: Joel Marklund / Bildbyrån
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