Israel is poised for an unprecedented moment at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, sending its first-ever bobsled team to compete on the world stage. This milestone comes with a backdrop of complex geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has intensified public scrutiny of Israel’s participation in international sports.
A Team Born from Diversity
This diverse squad is made up of athletes with varied backgrounds, including a pole-vaulter, a sprinter, a shot-putter, a rugby player, and a former skeleton competitor. Many of these athletes had never even been on a bobsled before this season. Leading the team is AJ Edelman, who is thought to be the first Orthodox Jew to participate in the Winter Olympics. Joined by Ward Farwaseh, a member of Israel’s Druze community, this team reflects a mosaic of identities within Israeli society.
Their journey to the Olympics unfolds at a particularly sensitive time, as Israel grapples with the aftermath of a recent surge in violence in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 71,800 Palestinian deaths according to local health authorities. The impact of this crisis has led to calls for boycotts against Israeli athletes, complicating their participation in global events.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite the tumultuous environment, the athletes express a strong sense of pride in representing Israel. Edelman, reflecting on his own transformation from an underdog to an Olympian, stated, “I used to be at the bottom of the pack athletically, and I made it here to the Olympics, so there must be some self-selection process.” He believes that the establishment of this bobsled programme will pave the way for Israel to become a competitive force in the sport. He even coined the term “Shul Runnings” to commemorate their journey, referencing the beloved film “Cool Runnings.”
Edelman’s own path to the Olympics has been marked by resilience. After a scout dismissed him due to scoliosis and a perceived lack of athleticism, he took matters into his own hands. He honed his skills through YouTube tutorials and qualified for the 2018 Winter Games, where he finished 28th out of 30. His determination led him to assemble a bobsled team, reaching out to athletes through social media channels, including Israel’s rugby team.
A Team Rebuilt Under Pressure
The team faced further challenges when, just a week before their qualification run for the Beijing Games, a brutal attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages. This led to the drafting of many of Edelman’s teammates into military service. In response, Edelman and Farwaseh managed to recruit new athletes, including shot-putter Menachem Chen and sprinter Omer Katz, who all rallied together to secure their Olympic spot at Lake Placid last month.
Among the new recruits was coach Itamar Shprinz, an inexperienced competitor in the sport who admitted, “I knew in the back of my head it was something about sleds and winter sports, but not what you needed to do in the sport.” His rapid immersion in both the sport and the pressures of coaching was a testament to the team’s spirit, even as he struggled to acclimatise.
Competing Amid Controversy
Israel will not only send its bobsled team to compete but also five other athletes, including figure skater Maria Seniuk and cross-country skier Atila Mihaly Kertesz. Yael Arad, chair of the Israel Olympic Committee, conveyed her hopes for the competitors, urging them to carry the legacy of those who came before them. “You are carrying the torch of generations of Jewish and Israeli sports tradition,” she remarked.
Calls have emerged for Israeli athletes to be treated similarly to their Russian counterparts, competing as “Individual Neutral Athletes” without national symbols. The International Olympic Committee has clarified that the legal circumstances surrounding Russia do not apply to Israel, leaving the situation ambiguous.
Edelman has spoken candidly about the backlash, recalling a conversation with an athlete who expressed reluctance to represent Israel due to its actions. Despite the criticism, he and his teammates remain resolute, with Zisman asserting, “My mom says to me, ‘Isn’t it dangerous that you’ll have a star of David on your back?’ I say, no mom, that’s what we do. We do the best we can.”
Why it Matters
The emergence of Israel’s bobsled team amid such turbulent times underscores the complex interplay of sports and politics. Their participation in the Winter Olympics not only highlights the resilience of athletes in challenging circumstances but also raises important questions about national identity, representation, and the impact of global events on sporting activities. As they prepare to compete, these athletes embody the spirit of perseverance, aiming to inspire future generations while navigating the treacherous waters of international sentiment and scrutiny.