Gafinovitz Says Funding Shortfall Threatens Her Los Angeles Olympic Bid

Israeli road cyclist Rotem Gafinovitz says she may retire unless she secures the financial support needed to pursue the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. In a newly published interview, the 34-year-old Paris Olympian said she needs at least €200,000 to continue competing on the terms she considers necessary. Gafinovitz said reaching another Olympics with roughly €30,000 might be possible, but she wants to compete seriously rather than simply take part. “If the financial support does not come, I will let go,” she said. She described the obstacle as the personal cost and energy required to continue, rather than her age. In the same interview, Gafinovitz alleged that British team HESS Cycling had sought to cancel her contract because of her Israeli passport. She said she had another year remaining when her agent called, and that he gave her nationality as the reason after she pressed him. She said she decided immediately against continuing with the team. Her account did not specify the cancellation date. Gafinovitz said the episode affected her professionally, that she withdrew from the world championship taking place that week, and that she has not found another team. She finished 77th at Paris 2024 and described arranging much of her Olympic preparation herself, including an altitude camp without an accompanying coach or physiotherapist. She has since taken Open University courses and a Wingate coaching course and begun work in a Paralympic-sport project, while retaining her ambition to race in Los Angeles.