Flying the flag for Jews in sport at the JCC Maccabi Games

This summer, I was privileged to compete with almost 2,000 Jewish athletes from around the world at the JCC Maccabi Games, which are held every year in North America. At this year’s games, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, delegations from countries including Ukraine, Israel, Argentina and Mexico were there, as well as many of the American states. It was an honour to represent one of the few European countries that took part, and it was incredible how, despite the small size of Great Britain, we brought one of the largest delegations.

In the months approaching the games, I trained regularly with my club and attended sessions with the Maccabi swimming team. The practices with the team (Isaac, Isabella, Jack, Joe, Yali and myself) not only helped us to prepare for our races, but also enabled us to get to know each other and our hugely supportive coach, Adam.

As the games approached, I felt increasingly excited, but also slightly nervous. I wasn’t sure what the standard of competition would be, and how it would feel to compete in such an unfamiliar environment so far from home.

A few days before we left for Florida, I found out that I was going to be one of four flag bearers, leading the GB team at the opening ceremony. I felt very honoured and proud to represent my country. At the opening ceremony, walking out and seeing thousands of Jews from around the world was a moment I’ll never forget.

Before each race, when I stepped onto the starting block, I felt a rush of nerves and excitement. I thought about how I was representing my country, my religion and my family. I tried my best in each race, and although some didn’t go as well as I would have liked, there were various races in which I exceeded my expectations.

As Team GB swimmers, we all supported each other and celebrated our successes together. We were also able to spend time with the other international swimmers and to create lasting friendships. Despite being part of different delegations, we quickly began supporting and cheering each other on, which was very special. My favourite part of the swimming competition was the relay races, where we joined with swimmers from other countries.

After each morning of competition, we connected with athletes from different sports and delegations. We met at the JCC hub, where we ate lunch and got to know each other. A highlight was when we were trading delegation badges and kits with other athletes – the GB kit was definitely in high demand!

We stayed with host families, who provided memorable local experiences. I particularly loved Friday night dinner with a rabbi’s family, when I learnt about what it’s like to live in America as a religious Jew. The whole of the GB team felt warmly welcomed by all our hosts.

Maccabi has an important role to play in our community. It encourages participation in sports and brings together Jews from different backgrounds, and people are able to celebrate and support each other, regardless of where they’re from.

This trip has strengthened my Jewish identity as I have met Jewish youth from around the world with whom I share common values, and our shared interest in sport has helped spark new connections.

I am very grateful to have had this experience, and I hope to compete in other Maccabi events in the future!

Gabriella Weller swam for Team GB at the JCC Maccabi Games and won a gold medal for the 4x200 freestyle relay and a silver medal for the 200m butterfly.