Team GB returns from Maccabiah Games with a record haul of 57 medals
Golds, silvers and bronzes 'exceeded all expectations', according to proud manager Joel Nathan after the competition concluded this week.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Team Maccabi GB General Manger Joel Nathan said he is “extremely proud of every single one of our medal winners” as the 21st Maccabiah Games ended in Israel.
With the 527 strong Team GB delegation flying back to the UK following a spectacular closing ceremony in Rishon Lezion on Monday night, Nathan said the tournament had “exceeded all our expectations.”
Team GB picked up an impressive 57 medals in total, with both the fencing and golf teams unexpectedly picked up Golds. It meant the GB delegation had picked up 14 more medals that at the previous Maccabiah.
“To win a Maccabiah medal is very hard and we are extremely proud of every single one of our medal winners as we are with every member of the squad,” added Nathan.
This year’s Games, which featured approximately 10,000 athletes from over 60 countries, were the largest ever, seeing athletes participate in 38 different branches of sports.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yair Lapid all attended the Maccabiah opening ceremony at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium on July 14.
Nathan said:” These games exceeded all our expectations regarding not only the sporting side but also what happens off it as all our squads embraced everything that Israel has to offer from Yad Vashem and the Kotel to the Dead Sea and beyond.
“The feeling of having so many Jewish participants coming to Israel after the last couple of years also had was very special.
“To hear so many of our older athletes and parents of our juniors saying that they have never experienced anything like this before and will remember it forever is what these games are all about and I am so glad that Maccabi GB were able to deliver that.”
Five new sports were included this year including surfing, climbing, three-on-three basketball and beach football. In addition, weightlifting was also reintroduced
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