Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Original cards, owned by the author, showing the three Jewish fencing champions at the Berlin Olympics. Ilona Elek-Schacherer, at the top of the podium, won the gold; Ellen Müller-Preis, front, won the bronze. Silver medalist Helene Mayer, far right, who represented Germany, gives the Nazi salute.
(JTA) - One of the most intriguing storylines for Jewish fans at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been the resurgence of Jewish excellence in fencing. Of the 20 fencers on the U.S. team, six are Jewish or come from Jewish families, and three have won medals.
The success of gold medalists Jackie Dubrovich and Maia Weintraub and bronze winner Nick Itkin brings to mind a trio of Jewish fencers who medaled at the same Olympics nearly a century ago - at the so-called "Nazi Olympics."
Ilona Elek-Schacherer, Helene Mayer and Ellen Müller-Preis achieved the Jewish trifecta at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Be...
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