Jewish Fencers Jackie Dubrovich and Maia Weintraub Secure Olympic Gold for the U.S.

The United States has triumphed in women's foil at the Paris Olympics, with Jewish fencers Jackie Dubrovich and Maia Weintraub playing key roles in securing the gold medal. The team’s victory over Italy, with a score of 45-39, marks a significant achievement for Dubrovich and Weintraub, both of whom have made substantial contributions to the team’s success.

Jackie Dubrovich, a seasoned competitor, is participating in her second Olympic Games. After narrowly missing a medal in team foil in Tokyo four years ago, Dubrovich’s hard work and dedication have paid off with a gold medal this time around. A graduate of Columbia University, where she studied Russian literature, Dubrovich brings both experience and passion to the team.

Maia Weintraub, who deferred her final year at Princeton University to train for the Olympics, makes her Olympic debut in Paris. Serving as an alternate, Weintraub stepped in briefly for Dubrovich during the final match, ensuring her eligibility to share in the team medal. Her participation highlights the importance of teamwork and adaptability in achieving Olympic success.

The women’s foil team also includes Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs, who faced off in the individual women’s final earlier this week. Their performances contributed significantly to Team USA’s victory, showcasing the strength and skill of the entire squad.

Dubrovich and Weintraub are part of a remarkable cohort of Jewish athletes on the U.S. fencing team in Paris. Six of the 20 team members are Jewish, underscoring the community’s strong presence in the sport. While some, like Nick Itkin, experienced early upsets in individual competition, Itkin secured a bronze medal in foil, adding to the team's accomplishments. Itkin's father, who immigrated from Ukraine, opened a fencing school in Los Angeles, reflecting the family's deep-rooted connection to the sport.

In addition to the fencing achievements, Israel celebrated its first medals of the Paris Olympics in judo. Inbar Lanir claimed a silver medal in the women’s -78kg category, while Peter Paltchik won a bronze in the men’s -100kg category. These victories further highlight the global impact of Jewish athletes and their dedication to excellence.

The success of Dubrovich and Weintraub at the Olympics is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the supportive communities that have helped them reach this pinnacle of achievement. Their gold medal win not only represents a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.

As the Paris Olympics continue, the achievements of these remarkable athletes shine a light on the power of determination and the pursuit of greatness. Share this story to celebrate the contributions of Jewish athletes and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter for more stories of inspiration and triumph from the Olympic Games.