Nathan targets big 2017 medal haul
MACCABIAH JOEL NATHAN set the bar high for Team GB after the 20th Maccabiah Games swung into action.
The Team GB general team manager has targeted eclipsing the 24 medals won four years ago.
Nathan said: “I think we have a good squad with a mixture of young and experienced athletes.
“Of course I have high hopes. We should come into the Games in confident mood. This will be a life-changing experience for our competitors. There is no shame in losing as long as they have represented Maccabi Great Britain to the best of their ability.
“So I’ve told them
Joel Nathan to drink it in, enjoy the ride and see where it takes you. We feel ready to go.”
The Opening Ceremony was staged at the Teddy Stadium last night. Team GB’s delegation boasts a healthy 385 athletes, managers and coaches in Israel.
The Games have now kicked off with the likes of football, cricket and tennis all beginning in earnest. Nathan, 48, said: “There have been teething issues but nothing we can’t handle.
All I’ve noticed is how hard the athletes have been working in the fitness centre, both young and old. “I’m very happy with the blend. You always want as many new athletes involved as possible and we have a healthy number of them. “Everyone is raring to go and give their all. We are confident we can deliver.”
TENNIS DUDI SELA ended a sixyear wait for a Wimbledon win and set his sights on an extended run in the Grand Slam.
Israel’s No 1 battled his way into the second round for the first time since 2011 in a gruelling five-set match lasting over two-and-a-half hours.
Sela, 32, beat Spaniard Marcel Granollers (4-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2, 6-1) to set up a second round tie with the big-hitting American John Isner, who has won all four of the previous matches when the pair have faced each other.
He said: “I’m very happy to be in the second round. Of course I was nervous beforehand.
“I knew it was being broadcast in Israel. I felt a lot of pressure and I didn’t want to disappoint.
“So I decided to play relaxed and in the fourth and fifth set I came back. Then I changed my tactics and played smart; long rallies with a slice and slower balls. He didn’t like it.”
Speaking before the tie against Isner, which was scheduled to take place after the JC went to press, Sela remained in confident mood. However, he did acknowledge that he had to remain “solid” against Isner’s huge serve.
“The courts are playing much faster this year,” said Sela.”But I like it.”