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Jewish Athletes Shine at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics: A Spotlight on Talent and Triumph
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are set to be a grand spectacle, bringing together the world’s best athletes for a celebration of competition, unity, and sportsmanship. With over 10,500 athletes from around 200 nations participating in 329 events, the Games will attract over 3 million spectators from around the globe, according to a July 15th report on the Jewish Unpacked (jewishunpacked.com) web site. Among the myriad competitors, dozens of Jewish athletes will proudly represent their countries, with many poised to capture medals and create unforgettable moments.
The Paris Olympics, commencing on Friday, July 26, and concluding on Sunday, August 11, will feature a diverse array of sports and athletes. The Jewish Unpacked report indicated that despite some calls for Israel to be excluded from the Games, the Israeli delegation, known as the Blue-and-White, will once again participate, bringing the largest Jewish contingent of any country. This presence called attention to the resilience and dedication of Jewish athletes on the world stage.
Among the standout Jewish athletes is Artem Dolgopyat, Israel’s first gold medalist in gymnastics. Born in Ukraine, Dolgopyat made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the gold medal in the floor exercise, triumphing over a favored Russian competitor, as was noted in the Jewish Unpacked report. His victory was a moment of immense pride for both the Israeli and Ukrainian communities.
At 27 years old, Dolgopyat’s list of achievements is impressive. He is the reigning 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics champion, the 2022 European Artistic Gymnastics champion, and a two-time Maccabiah Games gold medalist, as was happily pointed out in the Jewish Unpacked report. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and excellence, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor in the gymnastics world.
Dolgopyat’s recent triumph at the World Championship on October 7 was bittersweet. He woke up that morning to the news of an attack on Israel, a stark reminder of the complex realities that athletes often face. “I fulfilled my dream of getting the three gold medals from the biggest competitions [Euros, Worlds, and Olympics and I can’t process it because I can’t really be happy. It’s a different situation. It’s hard for me to think about it. I still have some hope in my mind that in a few days, it will be over and I might be able to be happy,” Dolgopyat shared with the media following his victory, according to the Jewish Unpacked report.
The Jewish athletes competing in Paris this year represent a wide range of sports and backgrounds. From track and field to swimming, fencing to judo, these athletes bring their unique skills and determination to the Olympic stage. Their participation not only highlights their individual talents but also the rich cultural heritage they carry with them.
The upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are set to be a historic and thrilling event for many athletes and nations. Among the highlights is the return of Israel’s men’s soccer team to the Olympic stage for the first time in nearly fifty years, the Jewish Unpacked report added. This monumental achievement, coupled with the promising performances of young athletes like Claire Weinstein, paints an exciting picture for the games.
This return of the men’s soccer team from Israel marks a significant milestone for the Blue-and-White, who qualified for the Summer Games by advancing to the semifinals of the UEFA European U-21 Championship last summer. The team’s resurgence on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable.
The national team has garnered attention with notable performances, including a third-place finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they triumphed over football powerhouse Brazil, as was reported by Jewish Unpacked. This victory has solidified Israel’s reputation as an emerging force in the soccer world.
Central to Israel’s soccer success is a roster filled with talent from professional leagues worldwide. Among the standout players is star goalie Daniel Peretz. At 24 years old, Peretz plays for Bayern Munich in Germany’s top league, the Bundesliga. The report noted that his exceptional skills and experience will be crucial as Israel aims to advance beyond the group stage, where they will face challenging opponents such as Paraguay, Japan, and Mali.
In addition to Israel’s soccer triumphs, the 2024 Paris Olympics will also showcase the talents of 17-year-old Claire Weinstein, one of Team USA’s youngest athletes and a rising star in the swimming world. According to the information provided in the Jewish Unpacked report, Weinstein has already made a name for herself with impressive performances, including placing second in the 200-meter freestyle at the Olympic trials, just behind the legendary Katie Ledecky.
Weinstein’s notable achievement includes defeating the seven-time Olympic champion Ledecky at the 2023 U.S. championships, a feat that highlights her potential for greatness. In Paris, Weinstein will compete in the 200m event and join the United States’ 4x200m relay team. She previously earned a gold medal in this event during the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
Weinstein’s journey to the Olympics is not only defined by her athletic prowess but also by her deep connection to her heritage. A New Yorker who celebrated her bat mitzvah at Reform synagogue Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, she combined her love for swimming and Judaism for her bat mitzvah project, the Jewish Unpacked report explained. Weinstein volunteered as a swim coach at Westchester Aquatic swim club and donated money to an organization that provides training fees and competition funding to low-income swimmers. This blend of athletic dedication and community service highlights her exceptional character and commitment.
Adam Mara’ana is set to make history as the first Arab Israeli to represent Israel at the Olympic Games since 1976. At 21 years old, Mara’ana will compete in the 100-meter backstroke, an event in which he matched the Israeli record earlier this year. His participation is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing diversity and inclusivity in Israeli sports.
Mara’ana’s background is a unique blend of cultures and traditions. “My mother is Jewish, I served in the army, studied Torah, celebrated bar mitzvah, and my father is an Arab Muslim,” the Haifa native told the New York Post in June, as was reported by Jewish Unpacked. “I’m very proud of it and he’s very proud of me.” This multicultural heritage has shaped Mara’ana into a self-proclaimed “mini-ambassador” for Arab-Israeli relations, a role he embraces with pride.
Mara’ana’s achievements extend beyond national records. He won bronze medals at the 2019 European Youth Olympics and the 2023 European U-23 Championship in his signature event, the 100-meter backstroke. His success on the international stage underscores his potential to excel at the Olympics.
Following his Olympic journey, Mara’ana will begin swimming at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he will continue to break barriers and inspire others with his story.
Among the highly anticipated competitors are also Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team and five-time Olympic medalist Jessica Fox. Indicated in the Jewish Unpacked report was that both are poised for remarkable performances, bringing their unique stories and extraordinary skills to the forefront.
Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team is on a path to greatness, having achieved historic victories leading up to the Olympics. The team made headlines by winning the nation’s first gold medals at the 2023 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Valencia, Spain, the Jewish Unpacked report noted. This triumph followed their impressive performance at the 2022 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships held in Tel Aviv, where they also secured top honors.
Yael Arad, an Olympic medalist and chair of Israel’s Olympic Committee, celebrated the team’s world championship victory, calling it a “distilled moment of supreme happiness behind which there are so many pit stops and thousands of hours of training,” as per the information in the Jewish Unpacked report. Her words capture the dedication and hard work that have propelled the team to the pinnacle of their sport.
Rhythmic gymnastics is a captivating discipline that combines elements of artistic gymnastics with dance-like rhythms and the use of equipment such as hoops, balls, clubs, ribbons, and ropes. It requires a unique blend of athleticism, grace, and precision.
The Israeli team, led by 20-year-old captain Romi Paritzki, includes Diana Svertsov (19), Adar Friedmann (17), Ofir Shaham (19), and Shani Bakanov (18), the report on Jewish Unpacked said. These athletes have trained tirelessly to perfect their routines and are expected to deliver strong results in Paris.
In addition to the team competition, 18-year-old Daria Atamanov will compete in the individual rhythmic gymnastics event for Israel. As was detailed in the Jewish Unpacked report, Atamanov is the 2023 World Champion All-Around bronze medalist, the 2022 European All-Around champion, and the reigning Israeli national all-around champion. Her impressive accolades make her a strong contender for a medal at the Olympics.
Returning for her fourth Olympic Games, 30-year-old Jessica Fox is aiming to add to her already impressive collection of medals. The Australian paddler, renowned for her skill and determination, has previously won one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in canoe paddling.
Fox made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first woman to win gold in canoe slalom. Her groundbreaking achievement was a testament to her perseverance and talent, the Jewish Unpacked report said. Born to a family of Olympic paddlers—her French-Jewish mother, who is also her coach, and her British-Jewish father—Fox’s passion for the sport runs deep.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Fox has been a passionate advocate for women’s competition in canoe paddling, working to increase visibility and opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
Among the most anticipated competitors are those from Israel’s judo team and Israeli-American wrestler Amit Elor, whose achievements and dedication to their sports highlight the remarkable spirit of the Games.
Sagi Muki, at 32 years old, is a judoka to watch closely in Paris. Muki clinched gold at the 2022 World Judo Championships and has amassed multiple grand prix and grand slam titles. The Jewish Unpacked report said that he was also instrumental in securing a bronze medal for the Israeli team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Muki’s career is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and leadership on the mat, making him a strong contender for further Olympic glory.
Inbar Lanir, a 24-year-old judoka, has quickly risen to prominence in the judo world. Lanir captured gold at the 2023 World Judo Championships in the women’s under-79kg event, solidifying her status as a top competitor. The information in the Jewish Unpacked report said that her accolades in 2023 include being named the European Judo Union European Athlete of the Year and earning similar honors at the World Masters tournament and Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam. Lanir’s remarkable achievements make her a formidable force in Paris.
Raz Hershko, 25, has also made significant strides in her judo career. Hershko secured her first-ever first-place finish at the 2023 European Judo Championships in the women’s over-78kg category. Jewish Unpacked reported that she dedicated her win to former national Israeli judo team member Yonatan Goutin, who was tragically killed fighting Hamas on October 7 in Kibbutz Be’eri. Hershko’s dedication and emotional connection to her victories add depth to her pursuit of excellence at the Olympics.
Amit Elor, the youngest female wrestler in U.S. history, is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris in the 68kg category. The Israeli-American wrestler, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Israel, is already a two-time world champion and currently the top wrestler in her weight class. Elor’s rapid rise in the wrestling world is marked by her historic achievement as the youngest senior world champion in U.S. history at the age of 18 in 2022, according to Jewish Unpacked. Her dominance extends to winning gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 U23 World Championships, three consecutive Junior World Championships from 2021 to 2023, and the 2023 Pan American Championships.
Elor has often expressed her deep connection to Israel, where she spent many summers visiting her family and training. “My parents came to the US in the 1980s from Israel to go to school. But the rest of my family is in Israel. So I would always go during the summers to visit my grandma. And whenever I was there, I would wrestle in the local club, I also did some judo. I have been going to Israel pretty often,” Elor told The Jerusalem Post in 2022, as was reported by Jewish Unpacked. Her dual heritage and love for Israel add a unique dimension to her representation at the Olympics. “I love Israel. And, in some ways, I feel like I am representing them also, but I was born in the US and raised there,” she added.
Israel’s strong tradition in judo is evident in its Olympic history. Of the nation’s 13 Olympic medals, six have come from judo, including Israel’s first Olympic medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The expectations for the Israeli judo team are high, and their performances in Paris will be closely watched.
Among other standout competitors are Israel’s marathon runners Maru Teferi and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, along with taekwondo sensation Avishag Semberg, according to the Jewish Unpacked report. These athletes not only bring exceptional talent to their events but also embody inspiring personal journeys and a commitment to excellence.
Maru Teferi, 31, will represent Israel in the marathon for the third time at the Olympics. Teferi has steadily climbed the ranks of elite marathoners, achieving Israel’s best-ever finish in the event by placing 13th out of 106 athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. Noted in the Jewish Unpacked report was that Teferi secured second place at the 2023 World Athletic Championships and clinched a gold and a silver medal at the 2022 European Athletics Championships, followed by a silver medal at this year’s European Championship.
Born in Ethiopia, Teferi’s dedication and resilience have been evident throughout his career. He finished sixth at the 2023 New York City Marathon, a race that further solidified his status as a top marathoner. Jewish Unpacked reported that after the event, Teferi articulated his sense of duty and pride, stating his goal to “run for the Israeli flag; it’s a responsibility for me.”
Joining Teferi in representing Israel in the marathon is 35-year-old Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, competing in her third Olympics. Salpeter has a distinguished track record in both track and marathon events. Indicated in the Jewish Unpacked report was that she won the top prize in the 10,000-meter event at the 2018 European Athletics Championships and earned a bronze medal in the same event in 2022. That same year, she also took third place at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.
Salpeter’s marathon achievements are equally noteworthy. She won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Marathon, a silver medal at the 2022 New York City Marathon, and a bronze medal at the 2023 Boston Marathon, the report added. Salpeter moved to Israel in 2008 and received her citizenship in 2016 after marrying her coach, Dan Salpeter. Her journey from Kenya to becoming one of Israel’s premier long-distance runners is a testament to her determination and skill.
At just 22 years old, Avishag Semberg is already a trailblazer in Israeli sports. Semberg became the youngest Israeli athlete to win an Olympic medal when she secured a bronze in the women’s 49kg taekwondo event at the Tokyo Olympics. She will return to compete in the same category at the Paris Olympics, carrying high expectations.
Jewish Unpacked reported that Semberg’s recent achievements include winning first place at the 2024 European Taekwondo Qualification Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, in March 2024. Her consistent performance and determination make her a favorite to once again reach the podium in Paris.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to host a spectacular array of talent, with standout athletes from both the United States and Israel poised to make significant impacts in their respective sports. Among these competitors are fencing prodigies Maia Weintraub, Nick Itkin, Eli Dershwitz, and Yuval Freilich, as well as table tennis phenom Ian Seidenfeld, as was revealed in the Jewish Unpacked report. These athletes bring not only exceptional skills but also inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph.
Maia Weintraub, 21, is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris. After being named an alternate for the 2021 Olympics, Weintraub has continued to excel in the sport. She enters the Games as a two-time U.S. national champ
ion, Junior Olympics champion, and three-time World Championship medalist, the report on Jewish Unpacked said. Ranked No. 13 in the world, she has also claimed titles as an NCAA champion and a European Maccabi Games gold medalist. Weintraub’s impressive resume and drive make her a formidable competitor on the Olympic stage.
American foil fencer Nick Itkin is expected to make a significant impact in Paris. Ranked No. 2 in the world, Itkin won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and has continued his streak of success. He is a five-time U.S. national champion with three World Championship medals in foil. Jewish Unpacked reported that Itkin has also won the World Cup in 2020 and 2023, the Pan American Cup gold medal in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the 2024 Grand Prix champion. His consistent excellence makes him a strong contender for Olympic gold.
Eli Dershwitz, the grandson of two Holocaust survivors, will join Itkin on the U.S. fencing team. The world No. 3 saber fencer previously competed for Team USA in Tokyo and at the 2014 Rio Olympics. Dershwitz made history as the first American man to win a World Championship in saber, achieving this milestone in 2023. According to the Jewish Unpacked report, the 28-year-old is a five-time World Cup gold medalist, a 13-time Pan American Cup gold medalist, and has won two gold medals at the 2017 Maccabiah Games. Dershwitz’s remarkable career and determination to honor his heritage add depth to his Olympic journey.
Yuval Freilich, 29, will represent Israel in épée, marking the first time since 2008 that an Israeli fencer has qualified for the Olympics. Freilich made headlines in January after earning a gold medal at the Doha Grand Prix in Qatar, the first time “Hatikva” was played in the country, the report noted. He also holds the distinction of being the first Israeli to win the European Fencing Championship, a title he claimed in 2019. Freilich’s success and groundbreaking achievements position him as a significant figure in Israeli sports history.
U.S. table tennis star Ian Seidenfeld, 23, aims to replicate his success at the 2020 Paralympics in Paris. Seidenfeld had a Cinderella run in Tokyo, unseating the reigning champion to claim the gold medal. He also triumphed at the 2019 and 2023 Parapan American Games. Coached by his father, Mitchell Seidenfeld, a former Olympic gold medalist in table tennis, Ian continues a legacy of excellence, the Jewish Unpacked report said. Both father and son were born with pseudoachondroplasia, a growth disorder that causes short stature, yet they have not let this hinder their remarkable achievements.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will spotlight the extraordinary talents of Maia Weintraub, Nick Itkin, Eli Dershwitz, Yuval Freilich, and Ian Seidenfeld. Their journeys to the Olympics are marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to their sports that inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. As they compete on the world stage, these athletes represent the pinnacle of human potential and the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games.
