After hockey success, para-athlete Freya now eyes basketball glory
FREYA LEVY can’t wait to get back out to Israel and compete in the Maccabiah Games when she takes part in the Open Para Basketball competition.
Having been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 14, she had to give up an early career in rugby and football, but says “finding wheelchair basketball has changed my life and enabled me to continue a career in sport regardless of my disability”.
Part of a mixed GB/USA team in Israel, she certainly has experience and pedigree behind her having participated — and won medals — at a plethora of events. In wheelchair basketball, she’s competed at three U25 Europeans, winning two silvers and gold, as well as claiming bronze at the 2019 World Championships. She’s also represented GB in Para-Ice Hockey where she won bronze at the 2018 World Cup, England in wheelchair rugby league and rugby Sevens and has the ultimate accolade of being the only girl in both squads.
Returning to Israel, she says: “Competing at the 2017 Maccabiah Games is one of the highlights of my career so far. We won a bronze in the wheelchair basketball and it’s a tournament that had a huge impact on me both personally and professionally.” Describing what she’s been doing in terms of preparation for the tournament, she says: “I train five to six times a week, with two to three sessions on court and three gym sessions. I play for East London Phoenix and we have just finished our domestic season.
“My training focus is now fully on the Maccabiah Games and connecting with the other athletes on the team via Zoom.”
As to what she’s hoping to achieve next month, she says: “It would be incredible to reach the podium. We won a bronze in 2017 so it would be great to better that but I’d be happy with any medal!”
Just as important as winning a medal, is being at the Maccabiah Games itself. “It means the world to have a platform, not only to represent my country but my faith too”, she says.
“The Maccabiah Games is an incredible opportunity to compete alongside some of the best athletes in the world and in a multi-sport event, the buzz around the village is always amazing.
“In 2017 I was lucky enough to have my batmitzvah at the Western Wall so the cultural opportunities at the tournament are once in a lifetime and I’m so excited to get back out to Israel and soak it all in!”
Led by Joel Alexander and Rachel Ayrton, Team Maccabi GB have assembled a track and field squad that will see athletes compete in a number of disciplines, including 800m, 1,500m, sprints, javelin and pole vault.
Ayrton says: “We hope to medal across the board and a successful tournament is one where the athletes perform well individually and as a team and finish the Games having been fulfilled on a sporting and personal level.”