University of North Carolina Athletics
Future Tar Heels To Swim For Team Israel At Olympic Games
July 26, 2024 | Swimming & Diving
PARIS – Months before they will represent the Tar Heels in the pool during the NCAA season, incoming freshmen Martin Kartavi and Adam Maraana will represent their home country of Israel at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.
Kartavi, a sprint specialist, will compete in the 50-meter freestyle, while Maraana will race in the 100-meter backstroke.
"It's life-changing," Kartavi explained. "It was unexpected because I was coming off a tough injury. It's going to be a great experience and a great experience for the Olympics after this one."
"I totally agree with that," the 21-year-old Maraana said. "Making the Olympics at such a young age and getting that experience at a young age is mandatory to be successful in the next Olympic competition. "
Success isn't something that has eluded either swimmer. Kartavi captured bronze medals in the 50 free at the European Junior Championships in 2021 and 2022. Maraana won bronze medals at the 2019 European Youth Olympics, the 2023 European U23 championships and the 2023 Israeli Championships in the 100-meter backstroke.
Maraana, the son of an Arab Muslim father and Jewish mother, is the first Arab Israeli swimmer to represent Israel at the Olympics and the first athlete since 1976.
"I hope it's going to have a good effect on everything happening," Maraana said. "I feel like an ambassador and am proud to be the first Arab Israeli swimmer."
Earlier this summer, Maranna earned his way to Paris at the Israeli Olympic Trials with an Israeli record-tying time of 53.60 in the 100 back, 0.14 ahead of the Olympic qualifying time.
"I can't describe the feelings I have going into the [Olympics]," he said. "It's been a childhood dream, and now I'm here."
Kartavi secured his place on the Israeli roster last winter, posting a personal-best 50 free time of 21.90, six-tenths under the Olympic 'A' qualifying mark (21.96).
"I would like to swim a personal best, but I don't set goals because I never reach them," Kartavi said laughingly. "I want to have fun and experience everything about the Olympics."
Maraana has a more defined outlook for his first Olympic games.
"I like setting goals; I feel like it's something I should do," he said. "I hope to qualify for the semifinals and break the Israeli record again."
Maraana will compete in the 100 backstroke on July 28, while Kartavi must wait until August 1 for the 50 freestyle.
After the games, both men will make their first trip across the Atlantic and step on U.S. soil for the first time.
"I have some friends who have been there, and they've told me it's a nice place and a nice campus," Maraana said. "I'm looking forward to having fun and meeting new people."
"In my dreams, I feel like it would be a movie," Kartavi stated. "Every movie that talks about [American] universities is very cool. I think it's going to be a great experience."
Kartavi, a sprint specialist, will compete in the 50-meter freestyle, while Maraana will race in the 100-meter backstroke.
"It's life-changing," Kartavi explained. "It was unexpected because I was coming off a tough injury. It's going to be a great experience and a great experience for the Olympics after this one."
"I totally agree with that," the 21-year-old Maraana said. "Making the Olympics at such a young age and getting that experience at a young age is mandatory to be successful in the next Olympic competition. "
Success isn't something that has eluded either swimmer. Kartavi captured bronze medals in the 50 free at the European Junior Championships in 2021 and 2022. Maraana won bronze medals at the 2019 European Youth Olympics, the 2023 European U23 championships and the 2023 Israeli Championships in the 100-meter backstroke.
Maraana, the son of an Arab Muslim father and Jewish mother, is the first Arab Israeli swimmer to represent Israel at the Olympics and the first athlete since 1976.
"I hope it's going to have a good effect on everything happening," Maraana said. "I feel like an ambassador and am proud to be the first Arab Israeli swimmer."
Earlier this summer, Maranna earned his way to Paris at the Israeli Olympic Trials with an Israeli record-tying time of 53.60 in the 100 back, 0.14 ahead of the Olympic qualifying time.
"I can't describe the feelings I have going into the [Olympics]," he said. "It's been a childhood dream, and now I'm here."
Kartavi secured his place on the Israeli roster last winter, posting a personal-best 50 free time of 21.90, six-tenths under the Olympic 'A' qualifying mark (21.96).
"I would like to swim a personal best, but I don't set goals because I never reach them," Kartavi said laughingly. "I want to have fun and experience everything about the Olympics."
Maraana has a more defined outlook for his first Olympic games.
"I like setting goals; I feel like it's something I should do," he said. "I hope to qualify for the semifinals and break the Israeli record again."
Maraana will compete in the 100 backstroke on July 28, while Kartavi must wait until August 1 for the 50 freestyle.
After the games, both men will make their first trip across the Atlantic and step on U.S. soil for the first time.
"I have some friends who have been there, and they've told me it's a nice place and a nice campus," Maraana said. "I'm looking forward to having fun and meeting new people."
"In my dreams, I feel like it would be a movie," Kartavi stated. "Every movie that talks about [American] universities is very cool. I think it's going to be a great experience."
Players Mentioned
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