Gold Medallist Prepares to Defend Title
One of Australia’s brightest prospects for a gold medal at the 2013 Maccabiah Games is squash player, Irvin Gordon of Sydney, who is preparing to defend the medal he won at the last Maccabiah in 2009.
Irvin Gordon
After spending a relaxing Shabbat with his cousin and family in Efrat, Irvin spoke to J-Wire correspondent, Michael Kuttner, about his passion for sport in general and squash in particular.
At the age of 62, Irvin is the epitome of a dedicated sportsman who since the age of six has played competitive rugby and subsequently squash and whose physical fitness is a testimony to his many years of involvement in sporting club activities. His prowess was demonstrated early in his life in South Africa when he played as centre in the under 20’s team for a top club and future prospects looked very promising indeed. However a life changing accident meant that he had to give up rugby and instead find another sport which was not so physical yet at the same time was challenging, competitive and demanded a high level of physical stamina.
Squash fulfilled all these requirements and now looking back on 42 years of involvement in this sport, Irvin can take great satisfaction that his choice has more than fulfilled every one of his ambitions. After settling down in Sydney, a top priority was to find a club where his passion for squash could be satisfied. Joining a club he teamed up with a group of similar minded players all of whom except one were ex. South Africans and immediately launched into hard fought competitions. Climbing from Grade B to Grade A3 after four straight years of winning and coming first in their grade was a dream come true.
Irvin’s involvement in the Maccabi aspect of squash has meant that he is an active member of the committee to promote a sports centre which will provide enhanced facilities for Jewish sportsmen and women of all ages.
Having visited Israel as a young 19 year old, his long delayed return visit as part of the Australian team to the 18th Maccabiah was an eagerly awaited event made even more symbolic by the fact that the 2009 games were numbered “CHAI”. As part of a fourteen strong squash team which won 4 gold medals in four categories (over 35, 55, 60 and 65 years) he is determined to ensure that he tops the over 60 tournament this time around. For the 2013 games Australia has a much reduced squash team compared to last time. When I asked why this was so, he explained that the high cost of participating plus difficulties in obtaining leave from jobs meant that many younger participants found it impossible to take part. Nevertheless Australia’s representation overall is up there amongst the largest countries and their presence in 17 sporting disciplines will certainly be noticeable once the competitions start.
Irvin’s positive attitude towards competitive sport is best summed up by his parting words which were…” my main ambition is to participate and not necessarily to win……….”
Given his peak physical fitness and gritty determination there is no doubt that another gold medal is well within his grasp.
B’HATZLAHAH – GOOD LUCK TO IRVIN AND THE WHOLE AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT!
Go Irvin!!! We love u!!!!