A Radlett resident is representing a Tennis and Squash Club at one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Radlett Lawn Tennis & Squash Club (RLTSC) member Danny Caro is the only representative from the club at the Maccabiah Games in Israel running from July 11-26.
Nicknamed ‘the Jewish Olympic Games,’ the Maccabiah is said to be the third largest sporting event in the world. is the largest and longest running Jewish sports organization spanning over five continents, more than 60 countries, 450 clubs, and 400,000 members.
The world Maccabiah takes place in Israel every four years and the Opening Ceremony was in front of 40,000 spectators at the Teddy Stadium.
He has entered the singles and mixed doubles competitions, and he’ll be playing matches almost every day of a 16-day period.
Speaking about the sporting event Danny said: “I feel incredibly proud and honoured to be selected to represent my country. I’ve been fortunate enough to participate at the Maccabiah three times – in cricket in 2005, 2013 and 2017, bringing home two bronze medals and a silver, most recently as player-manager.
“I feel lucky to be able to line up alongside some super talented individuals from the Jewish community here and across the globe. For many, competing at the Maccabiah is the pinnacle – and the majority only compete on this stage once.”
The first Maccabiah was held in 1932 and the most famous athletes to compete are USA swimmer and Olympic champion Mark Spitz and USA tennis player Dick Savitt, the only ever Jewish male winner at Wimbledon.
Danny says It happened more by chance than luck. Injury forced him to stop playing cricket in 2018 and during lockdown he took his son to play to become more active. Since then, he realised his love for the sport and quickly got I had the “tennis bug”.
He continued: “I simply needed to play. Not just regularly, but almost every day. I found it a great mental and physical stimulant, and I have also made some great new friends – a new tennis family, if you like.
“RLTSC has given me a new lease of life and if it wasn’t for the tennis family there – both members and coaches, the Maccabiah would only be a distant dream.”
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