The United States appears almost certain to be the winner of most medals in the 9th Maccabiah games which close with a gala ceremonial Thursday night. As of today, U.S. athletes had amassed a total of 148 medals against 145 for the second place Israeli contestants. The U.S. has a wider lead in gold medals 65 57 and continued to win gold medals in today’s events.
Joseph Gould, of Queens, NY, took his second gold medal with a javelin throw of 71.36 meters, a new Maccabiah record. He won one earlier for shot put and claimed silver and bronze medals respectively for the discuss throw and hammer throw.
The Americans came close to monopolizing gold medals in the swimming events and would have had it not been for the 19 year old Swedish twins, Anita and Berent Zarnowiecki. Anita took seven gold medals, surpassing 1972 Olympic swimming champion Mark Spitz who set a Maccabiah record in 1969 by winning five gold medals. Her twin brother Berent will return to Stockholm with two gold and three silver medals. South Africa will take home two gold medals won by Carmel Goodman.
AMERICAN WINNERS IN EVENTS
Among the main American medalists were: Wendy Weinberg, Baltimore, Md.
The quadreniat event, billed as the Jewish Olympic Games, ran smoothly in general but was marred by three unpleasant incidents. Early in the games. Dr.Max Novich, one of three physicians accompanying the American boxing team, punched Shmuel Lalkin. head of the Israel Sports Committee, in a fracas that developed when an American heavyweight was counted out by the. referee while still on his fact. Lalkin subsequent accepted written and verbal apologies from Dr. Novich and the matter was not referred to the Maccabiah Court of Honor for hearing.
The other incidents involved non Jewish athletes who had been invited by the Israeli Maccabiah committee to compete. A track team from Kenya angrily refused to run against the Rhodesian team or against any team that competed with the Rhodesians.
Yesterday, American coach Roy Chernock threatened “to punch someone” if a Norwegian distance runner. Per Halle, was permitted to compete. The Israelis, who had invited him, reluctantly acceded to Chernock’s protest.
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