Background
Cohen was born in Kibbutz Degania Alef.
Cohen was born in Kibbutz Degania Alef.
In 1985 he was injured while serving with the Israel Defense Forces, blinded by a mine. Following his loss of eyesight he began practicing disabled sports in athletics and swimming. Since 1987 he has taken part in international competitions, including six Paralympic Games held between 1988 and 2008.
Until 2004 he also took part in four world championships and eight European championships.
Cohen had been swimming in all styles (breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and backstroke), while today (2008) he is focusing on freestyle swimming. In the 2008 Summer Paralympics, Cohen was the Israeli flag bearer.