ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Team GB's performance at the European Maccabi Games has been described as a huge success, and rightly so.
The bar was clearly raised in several sports with the Open and Junior footballers proving a cut above the rest. It was also the Games where our futsal players put themselves on the map. There were also excellent performances in golf, table tennis, tennis, badminton and ten pin bowling among others.
It now appears that we have formed a conveyor belt for success for future international events, although one aspect could prevent budding athletes from playing a part. Cost.
I've heard that it could cost up to £4,000 for GB athletes to compete at the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
I was part of the cricket team in 2005, and in 2009, athletes were asked to raise around £2,795 for representing their country. The price for a three-week trip, which includes pre-camp, kit, transport, accommodation, food, round-the-clock security and admin charges also sees GB subsidise some of the poorer nations. But rest assured, it was worth every penny. Spiralling costs mean that some very good athletes will be priced out of the Jewish Olympics. Maccabi's ethos is Sport for All and I hope they find a way to get everyone worthy of a place on the plane.
● The GB delegation received advice about nutrition although this seemed to go out of the window when footballer Michelle Keller mistakenly put sugar instead of salt on her chips before the flight home. Sounds like a bit of a sweetener if you ask me.