I’ve been having an outer body experience for the past few weeks, but it would be remiss of me not to post something four years to the day of my Olympic debut.
The JC offices are arguably the best place to identify an ailment – well you certainly get a little longer to diagnose your symptoms than at my GP.
I wouldn’t wish vertigo and labyrinthitis on anyone, but I’ve received plenty of sympathy from my colleagues who are happy to have me back. Any advice would be welcome.
London 2012 and the Paralympics were undoubtedly career highlights – a standout moment when I can recall ‘I was there’.
As a sports writer and a sports fan, there is no greater goal than seeing elite sportsmen and women breaking records and making history. Just not so much with the Jews!
Indeed I was there when Aly Raisman won her first Olympic gold. She embraced her parents with tears of joy after winning her first medal. That was a truly special moment.
And I was one of the first people Israeli windsurfer Lee Korzits spoke to after her aborted medal attempt in Weymouth. She had been in contention throughout, only to miss out in cruel fashion in the final race. That must have been hard to take.
But I have high hopes for Rio. The Israeli and Jewish athletes from across the planet have been working their proverbial socks off to get into grade-A condition for the Games in the party capital of the world.
Although I have relatives in Rio, I won’t be there to see the achievements of some of the lesser know stars who aim to go from zero to hero.
There are plenty of incredible stories from athletes who have the world at their feet. I’ve also heard from others who just missed out, by a matter of seconds or inches.
We all know sport can be cruel at the highest level, but don’t expect too much coverage of Australian brothers Nathan and Josh Katz who “do not wish to be covered” about their religion “out of personal preference”. That’s a real bug-bear of mine.
During my research, I’ve also discovered that Team GB hockey star Henry Weir has a Jewish aunt. Who’d have known?
* The identity of the six new teams who have entered the MGBSFL for season 2016/17 has now been confirmed. Finchley City FC, Hertswood Vale, North London Rangers and
Redbridge Jewish Care C have taken their place alongside Mill Hill Dons who were forced to abort their plan to join as Tottenham Chutzpah due to objections from the London FA.
I’ve also heard big things about RC UK FC, so watch this space.
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