With the 2020 Olympics being delayed until later this year and now calls for the games to be cancelled could mean that the summer Olympics in Tokyo remain at risk. Despite this, there’s still plenty of excitement for what may come – many Jewish athletes have managed to obtain some huge achievements in the past, however, and now is a perfect time to look back at their Olympic achievements and the big victories they’ve had given we may not have the opportunity to witness any exciting games this year.

Aly Raisman, USA, Gymnastics – Aly Raisman was extremely successful in bringing a growing number of eyes to gymnastics particularly on the Olympic stage, winning two gold medals in London for the 2012 games as well as a bronze, and winning a gold and two silver medals in the 2016 games in Brazil, Raisman has certainly been an inspiration for young girls around the world. Raisman has also shown a lot of pride in her ability to represent the Jewish community too, in a statement previously saying, “I take a lot of pride in being able to not only represent the U.S.A, but also the Jewish community everywhere.” 

Sue Bird, USA, Basketball – As one of the most accomplished athletes in all of woman’s basketball, Bird has managed to stack up an impressive list of accolades – with four WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020, as well as four Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, two NCAA championships in 2000 and 2002, and four FIBA World Cups in 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018, she is just one of 11 women to attain all four accolades. The Israeli-American player is still actively competing too, and at 40 years of age she has stated that she still feels great. With the initial plans to compete in her fifth Olympic games, the delay didn’t dash her spirits, although the cancellations yet to come may prove to be another challenge.  

Jo Aleh, New Zealand, Sailing – Born the daughter of an Israeli father and British born mother who served as an Israeli soldier, Jo Aleh won gold in sailing back in the 2012 games in London and Silver in the 2016 games in Rio – toward the end of 2020 Aleh was elected to the Chair of the Athletes Commission – on appointment she had commented that young sailors have opportunities in the sport that many who came before didn’t have, and having a voice of the council is certainly an exciting opportunity. 

With the potential for the games to be cancelled this year many of the biggest services that promote responsible gambling and betting may be out a little, and there may be a gap in the medal list for Jewish athletes – but with so many strong names making  this list and many others that didn’t, it has shown the incredible opportunities for many moving forward.