Ziv Better

Ziv Better is a former Paralympic swimmer representing Israel at the Paralympics.

Better was born in Kibbutz Lehavot HaBashan. During his military service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) he served as an officer in Golani Brigade. Better was injured in 1987 by a mine while attempting to rescue one of his soldiers, Doron Shaziri, while fighting in the Lebanon War.

As a result of his injury he was blinded in his left eye and lost approximately 90% of his vision in his right eye. Shortly thereafter, he started swimming and soon reached a competitive level.

By 2004, Better had participated in eight European championships, four world championships and four Paralympic Games. At the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona, he won two silver medals and two bronze medals, and in the 1996 Summer Paralympics, he won three bronze medals. He has competed five Summer Paralympics from 1992 to 2008.

Better works as a Systems Analyst, and is married and a father of three.