Not everyone likes the phrase ‘golden generation,’ just ask some of the leading lights from the England national football team. Overhyped and overpaid is how some would describe them. Perennial under-achievers in the eyes of many.
A little closer to home … the term came up in a recent conversation with Lord Kestenbaum. His Team GB class of 2009 came desperately close to winning Maccabiah gold – losing to Argentina in the final on penalties, of course, and it could be a while before their like are seen again on the football pitch.
But the future certainly looks brighter in the world of athletics. Richard Goodman raised the bar sky high at the same Maccabiah, where he won double gold. Like Ellie Edwards, he has battled hard against injury over the past couple of years, but it appears he is now back to his best, following his victory in the Metropolitan Cross Country League.
And one can only be inspired by the development of Edwards who will be looking to end a memorable week by winning the coveted Sam Bulka Junior Sportsperson of the Year accolade on Sunday.
"I will be accompanied by my parents, Francine and Eddie, my grandpa, Aubrey, and my two sisters, Allana and Orli, who have all ferried me round the country and supported me here and in Israel," she told me. Speaking about her MVP award, she added: "I’m thrilled that they will be there to see me receive my biggest honour to date in sport."
The 19th Maccabiah Games were arguably the making of young Ellie and it’s great to hear that she is determined "to continue for many years to come". As Maccabiah debuts go, it’s fair to say she really made her mark.
It appears that 11-year-old JFS pupil David Stone is also destined for great things. When you consider that he is reportedly faster than both Mo Farah and Gareth Bale were at his age, the signs look encouraging ...
* Scott Kashket remains upbeat following his trial at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He picked up an injury on his first day in Israel, but upon his return to England, he, by all accounts, excelled and scored again as Leyton Orient cruised past Swindon 4-1 in the FA Youth Cup. It wasn’t all good news as young Scott sustained an injury in the last 10 minutes, but he’ll be aiming to return for the trip to Stoke in the next round.
* Danny Ahrens is also in the wars after injuring a hand in his fifth professional win. The Hendon-based fighter didn’t set the world alight in a points victory over Duane Green, but no doubt the rest will do him good.
