Against All Odds: Israel's Bobsled Team Faces Adversity Headed to the Olympics

Overcoming Challenges on the Road to the Olympics

As the first-ever bobsled team from Israel prepares for the Winter Olympics, they have faced significant hurdles that would deter most competitors. Just days before their debut, team captain AJ Edelman revealed that their hotel in Prague fell victim to burglary and vandalism, highlighting the unusual obstacles these athletes have had to navigate.

"The great thing about representing Israel, and I think this is super important, is you learn to take a mindset that is one of a victor, not a victim," said Edelman in a recent interview.

This revelation serves as a testament to the team's resilience and determination to not only compete but to inspire others.

Shock and Resolve

Edelman, who was in Venice, Italy, at the time of the incident, received disconcerting texts from his teammates at their hotel:

"Hey, the place is turned over. Someone showered and stole our stuff. Initially, I thought it was a joke," Edelman recalled.

The reality of the situation struck hard when the team members were fingerprinted and the authorities were involved. It was a serious violation of their personal space, compounding the stress of preparing for the Olympics. Yet, this incident also seemed to strengthen their resolve.

A Culture of Resilience

In sharing their experience, Edelman emphasized that incidents like these are just another part of their journey. He maintains a perspective that emphasizes moving forward, saying, "Every single step of the journey is another step toward the goal. The goal is never qualification; the goal is to compete at the Olympic Games." This outlook is vital in a sport hampered by unique challenges, especially for a team from a nation with limited bobsledding resources.

Historical Context and Personal Sacrifices

This Olympic participation comes after a near miss during the 2022 Games, where the team lost qualifying by a mere 0.01 second. However, their journey has extended beyond sports; the team has been called upon to serve in the military post the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Edelman himself has made personal sacrifices, having lived below the poverty line for over a decade while dedicating himself to the team.

"I had to sell my bitcoin, which would have been worth millions today," he admitted, illustrating the lengths to which he has gone to fulfill his leadership role.

The Spirit of Team Israel

The team's catchy name, "Shul Runnings," playfully references the beloved film *Cool Runnings*, which chronicled the first Jamaican bobsled team's journey. Edelman's connection to his brother, a comedian, brought humor and levity into their serious mission.

Facing Antisemitism

Yet the difficulties do not end with logistical challenges. Edelman shared harrowing experiences of antisemitism faced by himself and teammates. From being turned away from accommodations on Christmas Eve to being discouraged from competing due to harmful rhetoric, the emotional toll is palpable:

"There's a lot of stuff that goes into representing Israel. But the great thing about representing Israel is you learn to take a mindset that is one of a victor not a victim," he reiterated.

A Message of Hope

Even in the face of adversity, Edelman maintains compassion for those who targeted his team. He expressed sadness for the perpetrators of the recent burglary, acknowledging the complex realities that drive people to such actions.

"These are things that we can replace. If that's compelling you to do what you did, I just hope you get help," he stated earnestly.

Setting the Stage for Future Generations

The significance of their achievement goes beyond individual aspirations. For the first time, Israel fields a bobsled team at the Olympics, and Edelman hopes to inspire young Israelis to pursue sports in colder climates. He doesn't aim for gold; instead, he targets a respectable placement among the top 20, laying the groundwork for aspiring athletes.

"I try to tell my boys, in a couple of weeks, no one is going to remember our names. But they're going to remember that the Israeli bobsled team made it, and it's going to have ripple effects far beyond what we know personally in our lives," Edelman said, emphasizing the legacy they hope to leave behind.

Conclusion

As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw closer, the Israeli bobsled team stands poised to make history despite the challenges they face. With their mindset as victors rather than victims, they are set not just to compete, but to inspire a nation.