Artem Dolgopyat Wins Third European Floor Exercise Gold

Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat claimed his third European floor exercise championship on Friday, taking gold at the finals in Zagreb, Croatia. The 29-year-old's victory marks another milestone in a career that has established him as one of the world's premier floor exercise specialists.

Dolgopyat's winning score of 14.466 points placed him ahead of Russia's Arsen Dochno, who earned silver with 14.333 points, and Britain's Harry Hepworth, who took bronze with 14.300 points. The Israeli gymnast had qualified for the final in second place with a higher score of 14.766 points, then delivered a performance in the final that proved sufficient to secure the top spot on the European podium once again.

Artem Dolgopyat talks to israeli president (Photo: Israel Gymnastics Union)

This marks Dolgopyat's third European floor exercise gold medal. He previously won the title in Mersin in 2020 and Munich in 2022. The Israeli has also finished as European silver medalist four times, in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the continental level.

The Zagreb triumph adds to an impressive international resume that includes Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020, Olympic silver from Paris 2024, and the world championship title in floor exercise in 2023. Dolgopyat also holds two world championship silver medals from 2017 and 2019, cementing his status as one of the sport's most decorated athletes.

Following the competition, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Dolgopyat to offer his congratulations. Avi Shagay, chairman of the Israel Gymnastics Association, also participated in the call.

"Dear Artem, you move us anew each time," Herzog told the gymnast. "Winning the gold medal again and again and again, this is an extraordinarily impressive achievement. You fill us all with great pride."

Dolgopyat responded: "Thank you very much, Mr. President, it is a great pride for me to represent the State of Israel and bring it honor, thank you for the warm words and for the support along the way."