2 More Atlanta Fencers for Team USA
Michael Fazylov and Sophie Goodman will each compete in junior fencing at the World Maccabiah Games in Israel this July.
David R. Cohen is the former Associate Editor of the Atlanta Jewish Times. He is originally from Marietta, GA and studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee.
Two more athletes from Atlanta are traveling to Israel this summer to compete in the 20th World Maccabiah Games for Team USA, joining 14 others the AJT previously reported are bound for the games.
Michael Fazylov, a 15-year-old sophomore at the Walker School, and 16-year-old Sophie Goodman will compete in junior fencing in Israel from July 4 to 17.
Michael has met his $8,000 fundraising commitment, but Sophie, who found out she was selected for the games at the end of April, has only two months to raise the money.
Donations can be made at Sophie’s fundraising website, gofundme.com/represent-the-us-in-israel.
The duo will join open fencer and native Atlantan Will Feldman in Israel in representing the United States. Open fencer Noa Allen, who the AJT previously reported would be competing, will not be participating in the games.
Sophie Goodman
Sport: Junior fencing
Age: 16
School: Pope High School
Current team: Georgia Fencing Academy
Highest level of competition: Junior Olympic Trials, U.S. Fencing Nationals 2016
Fundraising info: gofundme.com/represent-the-us-in-israel
Most exciting part of Maccabiah: “Being able to enjoy my passion and become more connected to my faith at the same time. Being able to represent the United States in the sport that I love and to be able to go to Israel for the first time.”
Michael Fazylov
Sport: Junior saber fencing
Age: 15
School: Walker School (sophomore)
Current team: Arsenal Fencing Club
Highest level of competition: National championships
Awards or championships: Bronze medal at Regional Cadet Circuit
Fundraising info: musa.convio.net/site/TR/Games/General?px=1083659&pg=personal&fr_id=1090
Most exciting part of Maccabiah: “Meeting and competing with Jewish athletes from all over the world. It is an incredible honor to represent our country at an event of such magnitude that takes place in Israel. I have never been to Israel before and visiting for the first time to be an active participant in Maccabiah Games is symbolic and has a very special meaning for me. We have relatives in Israel who immigrated to Israel from Russia before I was born and whom I have never met. I may be able to meet them for the first time. Meeting them as a Team USA member is very emotional for me as well.”
comments