Jewish Athletes to Keep an Eye on at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are approaching, running from July 26 through August 11. Among the estimated 10,500 competitors representing roughly 200 countries, dozens of Jewish athletes will be competing in 329 events across 32 sports. Here are some of the top Jewish and Israeli athletes to watch as Paris 2024 approaches.

Gymnast Artem Dolgopyat, Israel’s Only Active Olympic Gold Medalist

When it comes to floor exercise in artistic gymnastics, few are as accomplished as Ukrainian-born Israeli Olympian Artem Dolgopyat. The 27-year-old has won gold medals at the Olympics, the World Championships, the European Championships, and the Maccabiah Games. Born in Dnipro, Ukraine, Dolgopyat moved to Israel at age 12 and trained at the Maccabi Tel Aviv sports club. At the Tokyo Olympics, he earned Israel’s second-ever gold medal and first in gymnastics.

Amit Elor, Youngest Female Wrestler in U.S. Olympic History

Amit Elor, whose parents are Israeli, is making her Olympics debut with the U.S. wrestling team. At only 20, Elor is already a two-time world champion and the youngest female wrestler in history to represent the U.S. at the Games. She currently ranks No. 1 in the U.S. in the 68-kilogram weight class.

Canoe Paddler Jessica Fox — and Her Younger Sister, Noemi

Australian Jessica Fox, regarded as the greatest individual paddler of all time, is back for her fourth Olympics, looking to add to her collection of medals. Fox, 30, won her Olympic gold in the canoe slalom at the Tokyo Games. Her younger sister Noemi, 27, is making her Olympics debut in the women’s kayak cross event.

Nick Itkin and His Fellow Jewish Fencing Stars

Fencing has become a sport dominated by Jewish athletes, led by Los Angeles native Nick Itkin, currently ranked No. 2 in the world in men’s foil. Itkin, 24, won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and numerous medals at international tournaments. He is joined by Eli Dershwitz, the No. 3-ranked saber fencer, and Maia Weintraub, ranked No. 13 in women’s foil.

Shooter Ada Korkhin, Making Her Olympics Debut

Brookline, Mass., native Ada Korkhin, 19, will represent the U.S. in the 25-meter pistol event. Korkhin, introduced to air pistol shooting by her Israeli father at age 9, won a team gold medal at the 2024 Championship of the Americas Games and silver at the USA Shooting Pistol National Championships.

Adam Mara’ana, an Israeli Swimmer of Jewish and Arab Descent

Adam Mara’ana, the first Arab Israeli to represent Israel in the Olympics since 1976, will compete in the 100-meter backstroke. The 21-year-old Haifa native, son of a Jewish mother and Arab Muslim father, matched the Israeli record in this event earlier this year.

Jemima Montag, Australian Racewalking Record-Holder

Australian racewalker Jemima Montag returns for her second Olympics, aiming to improve on her sixth-place finish in the women’s 20-kilometer racewalk event. Montag, 26, is a two-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games and holds Australia’s record in the 20-kilometer racewalk.

Sagi Muki and Israel’s Formidable National Judo Team

Six of Israel’s 13 Olympic medals have come in judo. Sagi Muki, a world champion and two-time European champion, is a standout. The Israeli judo mixed team, including Tohar Butbul, Raz Hershko, and others, will return to compete in 2024.

Romi Paritzki and Israel’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Team

Romi Paritzki, 20, leads Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team, coming off its first-ever gold medals at the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships. Paritzki’s team has also won gold at the 2022 European Championships.

Daniel Peretz and the Israeli National Soccer Team

Israel’s men’s national soccer team will compete in the Olympics for the first time since 1976. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, 24, headlines the team, featuring players from professional leagues in Israel, Ukraine, Belgium, and Austria.

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, Veteran Marathoner and Record-Holder

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, originally from Kenya, moved to Israel in 2008 and has since won numerous international titles. Salpeter, 35, will compete in her third Olympics. Ethiopian-born Israeli runner Maru Teferi, a medalist at the European and World Championships, will also participate in the marathon.

Sam Schachter, Canadian Beach Volleyballer

Ontario native Sam Schachter returns to the Olympics, where he competed in 2016. Schachter, 34, and his current teammate Daniel Dearing, have won multiple medals at international events.

Avishag Semberg, Israel’s Youngest-Ever Olympic Medalist

Martial artist Avishag Semberg, who won a bronze medal in taekwondo at the Tokyo Olympics, will compete again in Paris. Semberg, 22, has earned numerous medals at international competitions.

Claire Weinstein, Rising Star for USA Swimming

At only 17, Claire Weinstein is set for a breakout at the Olympics. The New York native will compete in the 200-meter freestyle and join Katie Ledecky on the 4 x 200m relay team, having secured her spot with a strong performance at the U.S. Olympic Team trials.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, these Jewish and Israeli athletes will surely inspire and captivate audiences around the world with their incredible skills and dedication.

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