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Israeli Athletes Shine in Slalom and Bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics
From the slalom slopes to the bobsleigh track, Israeli athletes showcase determination on the Olympic stage.
Israel’s flag once again flew proudly at the Winter Olympics in Milan as its athletes stepped onto the snow and ice, representing the Jewish state on one of the world’s grandest sporting stages.
On Monday, Barnabas Szollos tackled the demanding men’s slalom event, adding another chapter to Israel’s growing Winter Olympic story. Having already competed in the giant slalom earlier in the Games, Szollos delivered two strong runs in the slalom, finishing 27th out of 46 competitors who completed the challenging course.
Slalom skiing demands razor-sharp precision, lightning reflexes, and absolute focus. Szollos’ performance demonstrated the grit required to compete among the world’s best, particularly for a nation without the alpine traditions of European winter powerhouses.
Meanwhile, Israel’s two-man bobsleigh team of AJ Edelman and Menachem Chen took to the track for their first two heats. The duo posted a combined time of 1:54.60 and currently sit in 26th place overall among the 26 competing teams.
While the standings may not yet reflect podium contention, simply qualifying and competing at this level is itself a remarkable achievement. Edelman, a veteran of Israel’s winter sports program, has long championed expanding Israel’s presence in disciplines far removed from the country’s Mediterranean climate. Together with Chen, the pair will return for the final two heats, where the overall rankings will be decided.
For Israel, participation in the Winter Olympics carries a meaning beyond medals. Each athlete who competes on snow or ice reflects the country’s expanding global footprint in sport proving that Israeli excellence is not limited by geography or tradition.
From the slopes to the sliding track, Israel’s athletes continue to carve their place in international competition with determination and pride.
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