Israeli Bobsled Team's Training Apartment Robbed Ahead of Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
An Israeli bobsled pilot has reported that the apartment used by the team for final training preparations ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Games was robbed on Saturday. The incident resulted in the theft of passports and valuable items worth thousands of dollars, casting a shadow over the team's Olympic debut.
Details of the Robbery and Team Response
AJ Edelman, the driver for the Israeli bobsled team and a former Olympic skeleton athlete, disclosed the robbery through a series of social media posts. He described how the team's suitcases, shoes, equipment, and passports were stolen in what he called a "gross violation." Despite the disruption, Edelman emphasised that the squad continued their training sessions on Saturday, even as police launched an investigation into the theft.
Edelman praised the team's resilience, stating on X that their handling of the situation "is just such a fine example of how we push forward in difficult circumstances." He added, "I really believe this team exemplifies the Israeli Spirit," highlighting their determination to focus on the upcoming competitions.
Background and Olympic Participation
Israel is set to compete in bobsled at the Olympics for the first time, having qualified after Britain declined one of its two allocated spots for Milan Cortina. The Israeli team accepted the offer when the last Olympic slots became available, marking a historic moment for the nation in winter sports.
Edelman, who raced in skeleton at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, is believed to be the first Orthodox Jew to compete in a Winter Olympics. Additionally, Ward Fawarseh is likely to become the first Druze Olympian, adding to the team's significance. Israel plans to compete in both two-man and four-man bobsled events, with Edelman driving both sleds and teammates Menachem Chen, Ward Fawarseh, and Omer Katz participating.
Investigation and Team Movements
When contacted by the Associated Press, Edelman confirmed he was in Italy but not at the robbery site. He noted that team coach Itamar Shprinz, an Israeli cross-fit athlete, was present, though it remains unclear whether Shprinz witnessed the robbery or was merely nearby when it occurred. Some team members have not yet arrived in Italy and are expected to leave their undisclosed training base later this week.
The Israeli Olympic Committee has not provided any immediate comment on the incident. Official bobsled training in Cortina d'Ampezzo is scheduled to begin on Thursday, as the team prepares for their Olympic debut amidst this setback.
Broader Context and Challenges
This robbery occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, as Israel's presence in international sports has faced boycotts, bans, and backlash due to the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza. According to Gaza's health ministry, the conflict has resulted in over 71,800 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation. The team's participation in the Milan Cortina Games thus carries additional political and social weight, making their resilience in the face of adversity all the more notable.
