The Israeli bobsled team, preparing for their historic Olympic debut, faced a jarring setback just days before competition began. Their training apartment in Italy was robbed on Saturday, leaving the athletes shaken and valuable equipment missing.
Passports and thousands of dollars worth of sporting gear were stolen, creating immediate logistical challenges for the team. Some members hadn’t yet arrived in Italy and were forced to delay their travel from the undisclosed training base.
Despite the violation, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Bobsled pilot AJ Edelman, a former Olympic skeleton athlete, shared on social media that the team continued training even as police launched an investigation.
Edelman described the incident as a “gross violation,” detailing the loss of suitcases, shoes, and essential equipment. Yet, he emphasized the team’s unwavering spirit, seeing it as a powerful example of overcoming adversity – a true embodiment of the Israeli character.
This year marks a monumental moment for Israel in bobsledding, qualifying for the Winter Olympics after Great Britain relinquished one of its allocated spots. The team seized the opportunity, stepping onto the world stage for the first time.
Edelman will lead the team in both the two-man and four-man events, partnering with Menachem Chen in the two-man race and Ward Fawarseh and Omer Katz in the four-man sled. Official training is scheduled to begin this Thursday in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Edelman himself is breaking barriers as the first Orthodox Jew believed to compete in a Winter Games. Teammate Ward Fawarseh is poised to become the first Druze Olympian, adding to the historic significance of their participation.
The team’s journey to the Olympics unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tension. The opening ceremony in Milan was marked by audible disapproval when the Israeli team was announced, a reflection of the ongoing global debate surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
Despite the boos during the opening ceremony, cheers were heard in Cortina, demonstrating a divided response to Israel’s presence. The Games commenced on Friday evening with a lengthy performance titled “Armonia” (Harmony), attended by dignitaries including US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Even the presence of US officials wasn’t without incident, as Vice President Vance received jeers when displayed on the stadium’s large screens. The atmosphere underscored the complex political currents swirling around these Winter Games.
The Israeli team, however, remains focused on their athletic goals. They are determined to represent their nation with pride and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity.
