Kashket named Jewish sports star of 2016

Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Scott Kashket has been named Jewish sports star of 2016 by Jewish News readers.

The 20-year-old amassed more than 1,000 votes, securing an overwhelming 82 percent of the vote, as he ended his year on a high.

He told Jewish News: “I’d like to thank all the people who went out of their way to back me, it’s been a great end to the year for me!”

Admitting the year didn’t get off to the best of starts for him, he said: “It’s funny, it didn’t start off too well, but then I moved to Wycombe and it all began to work out for me, so hopefully I can go on from here.”

His move in August, from Leyton Orient to the Wanderers, was initially on a loan period, but his performances on the pitch, which helped move the League Two side into a play-off spot, earned him a three-year contract at the club last month. The side’s top scorer, his latest goal was at the weekend in a 3-3 draw at high-flying Plymouth – his 12th goal in 13 appearances – and he’s fast becoming one of the stars of League Two.

Looking ahead to 2017, he said: “I just want to carry on how it’s going for me at the moment, and if anything changes thereon in, I’ll deal with it then.”

Runner-up in the poll was Yarden Gerbi. The judo star, who claimed Israel’s first Olympic medal at the Rio Games in the summer told Jewish News: “I’m working hard to achieve my goals and my dreams, so it makes me feel supported when people vote for me like this.

“I wish everyone a happy Chanukah and happy New Year, and that 2017 will be as amazing as 2016 was.”
US gymnast Aly Raisman finished third, with Ori Sasson, Israel’s other medallist at Rio, one place behind in fourth.