Israel's Maru Teferi has dedicated his marathon silver medal at the European Championships in Munich to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack on Israel's team at the 1972 Olympics in the Bavarian city.
Teferi was beaten just before the finish line by Germany's Richard Ringer on Monday with Israeli team-mate Gashau Ayale taking bronze.
Two Israeli athletes and coaches were killed during in the kidnapping by the Palestinian Black September group at the Games, and nine others died during a failed German rescue mission at Furstenfeldbruck airport.
Emotions are still running high, with victims families planning to boycott a remembrance event next month in Germany over a compensation payment dispute with the German government that has been going on for decades.
A representative for the bereaved, Ankie Spitzer, told dpa last month that "the German government offered us ... a totally unacceptable and insulting amount as final compensation."
The medals for Teferi and Ayale, plus the team gold medal was still sweet.
And Teferi said the team had been well aware of the historical implications.
"It was an excellent team effort of the team Israel. We are very pleased with it especially because these championships mark the 50th anniversary of the tragic events that took place here in Munich in 1972," Teferi said.
"I would like to dedicate this medal to all the families of the victims, and to send my love to everyone.
"As soon as we realised that these championships were going to take place here in Munich, we felt it in the heart, an inner strength to the best we can to honour those families," he said.
Australian Associated Press
