In a historic and inspiring move, Israel is set to field its first-ever Olympic bobsled team at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. This groundbreaking squad, composed of athletes from varied sporting backgrounds, has dubbed their unlikely journey "Shul Runnings," a playful nod to the classic film "Cool Runnings" and the Yiddish word for synagogue.
A Diverse Team of Unlikely Athletes
The team features a remarkable mix of talents, including a pole-vaulter, sprinter, shot-putter, rugby player, and a former skeleton Olympian. For most, this season marks their first encounter with a bobsled, making their qualification all the more extraordinary. Leading the charge is AJ Edelman, believed to be the first Orthodox Jew to compete in a Winter Games, alongside Ward Farwaseh, who is poised to become the first Druze Olympian.
Overcoming Adversity and Building from Scratch
Edelman's path to the Olympics is a testament to perseverance. In 2014, a skeleton scout dismissed him as "no Tom Brady," but he defied expectations by teaching himself via YouTube tutorials and qualifying for the 2018 Olympics. Undeterred by a 28th-place finish, he embarked on a mission to assemble a bobsled team for the 2022 Games, reaching out to athletes like Farwaseh through social media.
Farwaseh initially ignored Edelman's message, suspecting a scam, but eventually joined the effort. The team's progress was halted by the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which led to the drafting of most teammates. Undaunted, Edelman and Farwaseh recruited new members, including shot-putter Menachem Chen, sprinter Omer Katz, pole vaulter Uri Zisman, and coach Itamar Shprinz, who had to quickly learn the sport's basics.
Competing Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Israel's participation in the Games occurs against a backdrop of international backlash and boycotts related to the war in Gaza. Despite calls for Israeli athletes to compete as neutral participants, similar to Russian athletes, the International Olympic Committee has not imposed such restrictions, citing different legal circumstances.
The athletes express pride in representing Israel, viewing themselves as role models for future generations. Edelman notes that while some have criticized their involvement, the team remains steadfast, with Zisman emphasizing their commitment to wearing the Star of David with honour.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
Yael Arad, chair of the Israel Olympic Committee, encouraged the team in a letter, urging them to carry the torch of Jewish and Israeli sports tradition. The team's qualification, secured last month in Lake Placid, symbolizes resilience and the power of grassroots effort in sports.
As they prepare for Milan, these athletes hope to lay the groundwork for future success in bobsledding, proving that with determination and unity, even the most improbable dreams can become reality.
