The showjumper training every day for Israel — except on Shabbat
TEAM MACCABI GB’s Open Equestrian rider Mai Ozon has said representing Team Maccabi GB at the Maccabiah Games will be one of the best things she ever does in the sport.
Having had horses as part of her life since she was six years old, her first pony, Harry, set her on the showjumping path — she rode him when competing in Horse of the Year Show qualifiers all over the country. “That was great fun and we enjoyed a lot of success together”, she says, “but now I’ve progressed on to bigger and better things and can’t wait for the future. My current horse, Cassie, is talented and so I can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
Riding every day — apart from Shabbat — to keep both herself and the horses fit and ready, she aims to go out for training sessions or competitions once a week, and has been aided by coaches, whom she says have “been amazing and encouraging”.
As to what she feels she can achieve in Israel, she says: “I hope to feel like I’ve done the best I can. Horses are unpredictable sometimes so at the end of the day, as a rider, you hope to feel accomplished and in synch with your teammate. I have faith in my horses; if I try my best, I know they will give me all they’ve got. It would be incredible to achieve a medal and to make myself proud.
“Representing GB in Israel will probably be one of the best things I will ever do as a rider.
“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and meeting new riders and athletes. I know the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I’m thrilled and grateful to be a part of the Games.”
Team Maccabi GB will be sending over two players to compete in the junior squash tournament — and both can’t wait to get out to Israel.
Adam Zimmerman will be taking part in his first Maccabiah Games and says: “I feel lucky and proud to be able to do so. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which I’m grateful to have.” Training three times a week, twice at school and once with a coach, he will be competing in both singles and doubles competitions, saying he’s going out “primarily for experience and due to my commitment to Israel and Judaism.”
Zach Joseph says he’s hoping to win games and a medal when he takes to the courts. Having played the sport since the age of eight, he’s won local and internal county competitions and currently plays at the Cumberland Tennis Club and Paddington Sports Club. Training more than four times a week for the Games, he participates in Middlesex squash training sessions and says: “Being in the Maccabiah Games means a lot to me. I’m very excited to represent my country in Israel, it is something I never thought I would be able to do.”
Dania Freed will be competing in the Masters tournament.