Murray Ayrton has spoken of his delight after it was confirmed he will oversee both Team GB Track & Field and Team GB Swimming squads as dual Sports Chair at the 20th Maccabiah Games in 2017.
In Athletics, Ayrton is a qualified multi-event coach. Having run middle distance and cross-country for Watford Harriers as a young athlete, he progressed to road racing and half marathons through his 20’s and 30’s. Over the past 10 years Ayrton has gained his qualifications as an Athletics coach and is currently involved in club athletics as a coach and team manager.
His involvement in swimming took a different route, also 10 years ago, when his daughters started to compete at county and regional levels in the pool.
It was then that Murray decided he wanted to gain his qualifications and has achieved his Level One Judge, Level Two Judge and J2S certifications over the past decade.
On the track, Murray will oversee a side who had a stellar 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013. Winning six medals in total including two brilliant golds from Ellie Edwards (including the Junior Girls 200 meters) and Sam Shindler-Glass (Junior Boys 800 meters).
At the pool and at The Kinneret - for the open water competition - it was a similar story – Great Britain’s swimmers qualifying for finals and winning three medals.
The young squad also showed great promise in the pool in Israel, with GB athletes producing a number of impressive performances. Many members of the team improved their personal bests and the side won a notable
Bronze medal by the junior girls in the medley relay against tough opposition.
Ayrton said: "I am very proud to be associated with this incredible organisation [Maccabi GB]. Having attended four JCC Maccabi Games, two European Maccabi Games and the last Maccabiah Games in Israel has inspired me to be involved in the 20th Maccabiah Games 2017.
"Being involved in sport on a day-to-day basis means that I am surrounded by some of the most gifted and talented athletes and swimmers that our community has ever produced.
"In 2013 Maccabi GB won more medals on the track and in the pool than at any previous games.
"I am highly confident we will surpass those numbers in 2017. Any athlete or swimmer that is currently training and competing at Regional or National level should apply."
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