Double gold for Kellerman…and greetings from the ECAJ
Wheelchair tennis ace Adam Kellerman brought joy to the Australian delegation in Israel today claiming Australia’s first two gold medals of the 19th Maccabiah Games.
Playing for gold Pic: Steve Yarrow
Medal man Adam Kellerman
Kellerman went into the singles competition as hot favourite with Israeli tennis star Noam Gorshony not competing.
Kellerman completely dominated his competition from day 1, failing to drop a set for the tournament and winning the final 6-1 6-1 against his Canadian competitor.
He wasn’t done yet! Kellerman hit the court with his Israeli doubles partner and secured Australia their second gold medal of the Games.
“It means a lot being here and representing Australia in a major competition, especially the uniqueness of the Maccabiah Games.”
I’m proud to have been able to represent my country here in Israel and win the first two gold medals for Australia.”
Kellerman was positive when asked whether he’ll return to the Games in 2017 and defend his singles and doubles gold medals.
“Absolutely, I’d love too, why not.”
He packs his bags on Monday morning and heads to Belgium where he’ll compete in another major tennis tournament against the worlds best. He’ll spend his birthday in Belgium where he’s done so for the previous 3 years. However this year, his luggage will be slightly heavier. Two gold medals heavier.
The Australian Jewish community congratulate Adam on his two gold medals and look forward to him defending them both in 2017.
In the meantime, Dr Danny Lamm and Peter Wertheim, the President and the Executive Director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, today extended best wishes to the Australian team of some 400 athletes who are taking part in the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
The Games are held every four years. Altogether a record 9000 Jewish athletes from 78 countries are competing in 42 different sports. Some 150 athletes who participated in the recent Olympic Games are competing in the Maccabiah.
“The Maccabiah Games are a fabulous sporting and social occasion at which Jewish sports men and women from all over the world get together to compete and make new friends”, they said. ”We are sure our athletes will have a great time in Israel and look forward to them bringing a swag of medals back to Australia”.
Congratulations Adam!!!!