Alex Shalitov admits he must raise his game after claiming bronze at the European Championships in Bulgaria.
Shalitov, 27, failed to reproduce the form which saw him win gold 12 months ago, but he says he was satisfied with his podium finish following a spate of injuries.
"The final was really difficult as most of the gymnasts didn’t make any major mistakes," he said. "I will continue to work hard in order to increase my execution level and I’m optimistic I will be able to achieve that.
"My preparations for these championships weren’t that straightforward as I was sidelined and couldn’t jump for a while because of the injuries to my elbow and ankle. I did what I could ahead of these championships and I’m happy I took a medal."
Shatilov, who claimed the gold medal in the floor exercise last year, registered a score of 15.400 points, identical to that of Daniel Purvis of Great Britain. The Israeli and the Brit were both given the bronze behind winner Denis Abliazin of Russia and Greece’s Eleftherios Kosmidis.
The Israeli will now set his sights on the World Championships in China later this year. "I will increase my execution level and will be strong and ready for October," commented Shatilov. "I know it is going to be a lot tougher there."
Meanwhile, Andrey Medvedev finished sixth in the vault final with a score of 14.733 points and Eyal Glazer, 17, claimed a bronze medal in the junior rings final with a score of 13.966.
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