Canadian Facilitates Historic Israeli Bobsleigh Olympic Qualification
David Greaves, a Canadian citizen residing in Winnipeg, has once again helped Israeli athletes achieve Olympic history, this time by securing the nation's first-ever bobsleigh team qualification for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. Greaves, who serves as the president of the Israeli Olympic Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation, described this milestone as the culmination of a long-held dream.
From Skeleton to Bobsleigh: A Remarkable Transition
Greaves previously assisted American-Israeli athlete AJ Edelman in making Israel's skeleton debut at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Now, he has helped Edelman transition to bobsleigh, a completely different discipline, to lead Israel's inaugural Olympic bobsleigh team. "He transitioned from a skeleton athlete, and now he's done sort of the unthinkable, where he's qualified in a whole different sport," Greaves explained.
The Israeli bobsleigh team narrowly missed qualification for the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, falling just one spot short. Instead of abandoning their ambitions, the team recommitted to another four years of rigorous training and preparation.
Overcoming Adversity with Renewed Purpose
The team faced significant challenges during their journey, most notably the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October 2023 that sparked conflict in the Middle East. Despite this devastating blow, training continued with even greater determination. Greaves noted that the events of October 7 transformed their motivation from personal achievement to national representation.
"It becomes more than just for yourself. It becomes more for your country. Becomes more for those who were affected so deeply by October 7," Greaves said. He referenced the Jewish prayer "Henani," meaning "Here I am," to describe their renewed sense of purpose and pride.
A Personal Journey of Identity and Belonging
Greaves, who is also the executive director for the western region of Friends of JNF (a charitable organization supporting Israel), explained that his involvement with the Israeli team stems from his sense of Jewish pride and finally finding a community where he feels he belongs. As an Israeli citizen living in Canada, this work represents a meaningful connection to his heritage.
"The dream was always an Olympic bobsleigh team," Greaves told National Post ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. "The total delegation for Israel is nine athletes, so we're bringing now more than half of the full delegation of athletes. And I can't tell you how pride-filling that is after this whole journey."
Athlete Perspective on the Historic Achievement
AJ Edelman, who will compete in both skeleton and bobsleigh for Israel, expressed profound gratitude for Greaves' dedication. "David Greaves is a great example of what it is to see a dream through for Israel," Edelman said via email to National Post. "I'm really grateful to call him a friend, and I'm blessed to share the ups of this journey with him."
Edelman added that representing Israel has always felt like the "greatest honour," but the events of October 7 strengthened his resolve. Competing for his country represents "a true dream come true" that now carries deeper significance.
The Full Israeli Bobsleigh Team Roster
The historic Israeli bobsleigh team set to compete in Italy includes:
- AJ Edelman
- Omer Katz
- Menachem Chen
- Itamar Shprinz
- Ward Fawarseh
Uri Zisman will serve as an alternate team member. Together, these athletes represent more than half of Israel's total delegation of nine athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a significant achievement for a nation with limited winter sports tradition.
Greaves' work demonstrates how individual dedication can transform athletic possibilities for entire nations, creating Olympic history through perseverance, community, and shared purpose.
