Famous Athletes Who Competed in the Maccabiah Games (You Might Not Know!)
Every few years, something extraordinary happens in Israel: thousands of Jewish athletes from around the world come together to compete and celebrate identity, community, and culture through sport.
We’re talking about the Maccabiah Games — also known as the Jewish Olympic Games.
If you’re curious about the Maccabi Games, you’re certainly not the only one. Many people are unaware of just how important these games are or how many well-known athletes have participated in them.
From Olympic swimmers to NBA stars and NHL players, here are eight incredible athletes who proudly wore their Jewish heritage at the World Maccabiah Games – and whose stories continue to inspire.
But First, What Are the Maccabiah Games?
The Maccabiah, sometimes called the Maccabi Games, is one of the most significant multi-sport events in the world — and the third-largest after the Olympics and Universiade. Held every four years in Israel, these games gather athletes from over 80 countries for two unforgettable weeks of sport, culture, and connection.
Whether it’s Maccabiah Games soccer, swimming, track, basketball, or tennis, participants get a rare chance to compete on an international level while also exploring Israel, deepening their Jewish identity, and forming lifelong friendships.
With the upcoming Maccabi Games 2025 (aka Maccabiah Games 2025) already in motion, there’s no better time to explore this rich and proud legacy.
8 Famous Athletes Who Competed in the Maccabiah Games
1. Mark Spitz – Olympic Legend
Before becoming a household name and a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, Mark Spitz was already making waves, literally, at the Maccabiah Games. In 1965, he represented Maccabiah USA and won 10 gold medals. He later described the experience as one of his swimming career’s most meaningful stepping stones.
Website- https://www.markspitzusa.com/
2. Zach Hyman – NHL Player & Author
You might know him from the NHL, but before hitting the ice professionally, Zach Hyman played Maccabiah Games soccer, representing Canada. Hyman is also a published children’s book author and continues to speak proudly about his Jewish identity and Maccabi sports roots.
3. Lenny Krayzelburg – Swimming Icon
Another Olympic great, Lenny Krayzelburg , a four-time gold medalist , has deep ties to the Maccabi Games in Israel. He not only competed but was also chosen to light the torch at the World Maccabiah Games, symbolizing the strength of Jewish athletes worldwide.
4. Ian Kinsler – MLB All- Star
A significant name in Major League Baseball, Ian Kinsler has played in the World Series, the Olympics, and the Maccabiah. He later helped coach Team Israel and served as a mentor at the Games, showing that the Maccabiah USA legacy continues across generations.
5. Dick Savitt – Grand Slam Tennis Champion
Few athletes in Jewish sports history are as iconic as Dick Savitt. After winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 1951, he dedicated time to the Maccabi movement, competing and coaching at the Games. He helped raise the level of competition and visibility for Jewish athletes worldwide.
6. Yael Averbuch – U.S. Women’s Soccer Star
One of the most respected names in U.S. women’s soccer, Yael Averbuch, proudly represented her heritage in Maccabiah Games soccer. Her presence at the games highlighted the importance of female participation in sport, and she remains a role model for young Jewish athletes.
7. David Blatt – NBA Coach & Former Player
Famed for coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers and Maccabi Tel Aviv, David Blatt initially made his mark as a player at the Maccabiah Games for Team USA in 1981. His journey underscores the profound influence of the Games within the global sports arena.
8. Jordan Farmar – NBA Guard
A former Los Angeles Lakers guard, Jordan Farmar, brought his talents to the Maccabiah Games, proudly representing Jewish athletes on the court. His participation brought global attention to the the Games, proving that identity and excellence can go hand in hand.
Why These Stories Matter
These aren’t just cool facts – they prove what makes the games so powerful.
It’s not just about medals or competition. It’s about connection.
For Jewish athletes, the Games offer a rare chance to represent their country and heritage.
For spectators, it’s a window into the vibrant world of Maccabi sport , where values, identity, and athleticism intersect.
And as the Maccabi Games 2025 approaches, new stories are about to be written.
Maccabiah: A Legacy Bigger Than Sport
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to feel like one at the Maccabiah Games.
From Maccabiah USA teams to players from South America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa – Jewish athletes from all over the world come together to share something more significant than the sport: a sense of belonging.
Yes, there are medals, opening ceremonies, and world-class competitions. But the real magic of the Maccabiah?
It’s the way it brings people together. It’s how strangers become teammates and how a soccer match becomes a memory you’ll carry for life.
It’s showing up in a place where everyone around you knows what it means to be Jewish – even if you all come from different corners of the world.
It’s walking into a stadium and seeing your flag, hearing your language, and realizing you’re not alone.
The opening ceremony? It’s not just a parade , it’s a heart-swelling moment of pride.
And the closing ceremony doesn’t just say “goodbye”, it says, “We shared something we’ll never forget.”
Because the Maccabiah isn’t just about sport, it’s about community.
It’s about showing the world Jewish strength, unity, and spirit.