Barak’s big day – Paralympian finally breaks through for a medal at fourth Maccabiah.
It has been four Maccabiah Games without medal success and four long years for table tennis star Barak Mizrachi in search of redemption from an opportunity missed last time here.
Barak Mizrachi
But the 2016 Paralympian from the Rio Olympics has finally broken through to claim bronze over his Israeli opponent in the para-singles and make up for a campaign in 2013 that didn’t go to plan.
Melbourne-based Mizrachi said: “I’m just delighted. For me it was about redemption this time – I played the para event four years ago which was the first time they’ve had it at Maccabiah and to be honest I was arrogant about it and bombed out so for me it was a long four years to prepare and make up for that.”
I played really well this week – I lost to both finalists but beat everyone else so I justified that medal.
I was more prepared for the players I had to face compared to four years ago. I was watching videos of all my opponents and my teammates gave me great insight as well, we’ve got a great unit here.”
So after four years of striving for a goal and achieving it, what will the big man do to celebrate?
“I know I’m in the party city in Tel Aviv but I’ll be relaxing and enjoy the other sports. I’ve been so stressed about this week I just want to kick back and relax.”
Barak’s bronze makes it three medals to date for the table tennis squad following on from Genna Raber in the over 40’s singles and Sam Parasol and Paul Bronstein who won Bronze in the over 60’s doubles.
What a top display by our very young athletes – many competing against people two-three years older.
Young stars shine at Track and Field
A fabulous night of track and field finished with plenty of smiles thanks to our 4x100m relay girls who celebrated a silver medal, but there were also some formidable achievements.
Piper Montag won gold in shot put, while also competing simultaneously in the triple jump. While jumping between events, changing shoes, and running into officials – which saw her even miss a round of her shot put competition – she also picked up a bronze in the triple jump, behind her training partner Camilla Burrows, who grabbed silver with a PB.
Amber Mendelowitz and Liam Eliau both made the finals in the 100 metres, before Mendelowitz and Burrows teamed up with Jessica Ritch and Danielle Rutstein to end the night on a high.
The hurdles encountered – literally – by Will McIntyre weren’t the only obstacles for the team on the night, with 14-16-year-olds not just competing with older athletes, but with equipment they aren’t yet usually competing with.
For example, 16-year-old McIntyre was hurdling over under-20 sized hurdles. Montag threw 10.40 in the shot put despite having a heavier shot than she is used to. With that in mind, a night these young up and coming track and field stars will never forget.
Great day for our cricketers at Maccabiah!
Our juniors are into the decider, and their coach Brett Corrick can’t hide his pride. He’s bursting at the seams with joy for his boys, who beat Israel by eight wickets to make the gold medal match.
“I’m really proud,” he beamed. “Now, we’re going for gold. Phenomenal.”
The boys chased down 83 to win: Adam Cavenor compiled a brilliant 45, while Noah Jedwood supported him with a fantastic and controlled 27 not out.
Cavenor was also the pick of the bowlers with incredible figures of 3/9 from 8 overs. Sam Kertesz and Gilad Meyerowitz both grabbed two wickets apiece opening the bowling while singular scalps went to Josh High and Vincent Page.
Brilliant stuff, lads. They will play either Great Britain or South Africa.
Meanwhile, Australia’s open’s side will ace Israel in search of their first cricketing medal since 2005, thanks to a six wicket win over India.
Dov Paltiel with 4/26 was named man of the match after his spell broke up Inda’s excellent start. Along with spinner Simon Fisher (4/14) they helped Australia take 7/20 to dismiss India for 101.
The Aussies reeled in the total with six wickets in hand – Micky Schneider (18) led the way with the bat.
As tough as it gets – bronze won with a broken foot
Paul Bronstein and Sam Paraol
In one of the greatest feats of courage at these Maccabiah Games – doubles table tennis player Paul Bronstein soldiered on with a fractured foot to combine with Sam Parasol and take bronze in the over 60’s doubles.
He tells his amazing tale on the way to medal glory:
“I hurt my foot a few days ago and in my singles quarter final, I twisted and couldn’t put weight on it and basically had to forfeit. I went for x-rays – they diagnosed it as a stress fracture in the fourth metarsal, wanted to put me in plaster and said I couldn’t play.”
“For the doubles though all we needed to do was play Germany to get into the medal game, Dr. Mundell gave me an injection for that and the pain went down to about 50% – I couldn’t put any weight on my attacking foot and while we lost, I got through.
“Against Argentina I was okay…And we went up two sets to love in the final but that’s when it really started hurting again. I said to Sam I’ll just sit back and play some spin shots you need to take charge here.”
“And we did it. My wife thinks I’m crazy but I’m just happy for Sam, he said forfeit but I couldn’t do that. And I’m just happy for the team – Barak Mizrachi (bronze medallist in the para-singles) and Genna Raber (bronze medallist in the over 40’s singles made it a great day.”
