Despite the deep disappointment many of us felt about the IOC’s decision not to hold a moment of silence, we can’t deny that the London Olympics were a thrilling exhibition of sportsmanship. For us Coloradans, Missy Franklin picking golds was restorative after a difficult summer. And Aly’s outstanding floor exercise made all of us first hold our collective breaths in anticipation, only to be followed by a huge release of emotion and excitement when she held her hands high in the air at her final jump. The fact that she chose Hava Nagila for her routine was the added cherry on the proverbial sundae.
But Aly wasn’t the only Jewish athlete at this year’s Olympics. Our community was represented by Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, Brits and of course, Israelis. Here’s how some of them fared.
Jo Aleh: Gold medal for women’s 470 regatta (New Zealand)
Nathan Cohen: Gold, men’s double sculls (New Zealand, with Joseph Sullivan)
Aly Raisman: Gold, women’s gymnastics floor exercise (USA)
Jessica Fox: Silver medal in the kayak slalom K1 (Australia). This was 16 years after her mother, Myriam Jerusalmi, won a bronze at the Atlanta Games.
Jason Lezak: Silver medal, 4×100 freestyle relay (USA)
Aly Raisman: Bronze, women’s balance beam final (USA)
Tripple X: Gold medal, equestrian show jumping. Does this count – his owners are a Jewish couple, Emma and Michael Phillips. (UK)
According to JTA’s medal count, we’re missing one Jewish silver medalists. Can you help us fill it in?
What was your favorite Olympic moment? Post a comment below!
