Watch me take Israel by storm, says Weber-gale
OLYMPIC star Garrett Weber-Gale says he is looking forward to competing at his first Maccabiah Games.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist was one of the stars of the 2008 Beijing Games and he is confident of coming away from Israel with more silverware for Team USA in Israel in July.
“I am so happy and honoured to be a part of the 2013 Maccabiah team,” said Weber-Gale. “For a long time I have wanted to compete in Israel at the Games and I couldn’t be more excited for this summer.
“I can’t wait to experience Israel and have the cultural experience of both the Games and being around so many Jewish athletes.”
Weber-Gale was a member of the USA 4x100m freestyle relay team with Cullen Jones, Michael Phelps, and Jason Lezak, a Maccabiah alumnus, where they won the gold medal and set the world record at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He won his second gold medal as part of the 400m medley relay and also won gold medals at six World Championships between 2005 and 2012.
“I want to participate in the Maccabiah Games because I want to help continue to prove to the world that Jewish athletes can compete at the top levels of their sport,” he said. “I plan on swimming fast in Israel. I am excited to finally get an opportunity to see the country and the holy land of the Jewish people. I am extremely proud of being a Jew and hope that this experience brings me closer to my Jewish heritage and culture.”
Weber-Gale was US National Champion in the 100m freestyle in 2004, 2008, and 2011 as well as a gold, silver, and bronze medallist at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships.
Garrett has held the American record in both the 50m and 100m freestyle and was the first American to break 48 seconds in the 100m freestyle.
USA Open swimming chairman Rick Ehrlich said: “Garrett will be a real inspiration as he is one of the most respected swimmers in America.
“Having a two-time Olympic gold medallist in our squad will be an invaluable experience for all the athletes. Garrett will be an integral part of our team’s success.”