Israeli sprinter Blessing Afrifah, born to Ghanaian parents in Tel Aviv, cemented his place as one of Europe’s finest young athletes after successfully defending his European Under-23 200m title in Bergen, Norway on July 20, 2025. 

The 21-year-old clocked an identical time of 20.64 seconds to his gold-winning performance last year, a feat that not only reaffirmed his dominance but also resonated deeply with Israelis amid the country’s ongoing tensions.

Waving the Israeli flag in celebration, Afrifah expressed pride and gratitude. “First of all, I’m very, very happy. I’m happy to finish the championship with the Israeli flag on me – it’s an honour,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to bring a bit of light, a bit of joy during these difficult times. I’m truly happy. Proud to defend my title. There’s no one happier than me.”

Born in 2004 to Akan-descended parents who migrated to Israel in the 1990s, Afrifah’s early life was shaped by immigration challenges. His father worked with the Ghana Embassy while his mother supported the family as a cleaner. 

In 2010, the family was granted permanent residency under a policy for children of foreign workers born in Israel. However, Afrifah only gained full Israeli citizenship in 2020 after directly petitioning the Interior Ministry.

“It was not easy at all,” he said in a post-race interview with Kan Reshet Bet Radio. “I was prevented from traveling abroad and representing the Israeli national team in international competitions. That was very, very hard for me, but I really fought for it – so I could represent the country like I always wanted and dreamed.”

His rise has not only been athletic. Since 2022, he has been fulfilling mandatory service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), adding national service to his accolades. “Getting citizenship gave a real boost to my career, and here I am, representing the country and winning medals, just like I always wanted,” he said.

Afrifah’s win comes at a time of heightened national emotion following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in over 250 hostages. Against that backdrop, his victory carried symbolic weight. One social media user summed up national sentiment: “Blessing Afrifah is a true Israeli hero, shining light in dark times.”

He also addressed potential issues of discrimination. “We’re far from all that here – we’re really on good terms with everyone,” he noted, dispelling concerns about antisemitism in the competition.

Sporting excellence runs in the family. His sister, Mercy Afrifah, also competed in Bergen, placing fifth in the women’s 200m final.

Afrifah's journey from a child of undocumented Ghanaian migrants to a European sprinting champion and IDF soldier underscores the power of perseverance, national pride, and personal ambition. In the face of adversity, he has become a symbol of hope and unity — not just for Israel, but for immigrant communities around the world.