Israeli Bobsled Team's Apartment Robbed Before Winter Games

The Israeli bobsled team's apartment was robbed while they were training for the Winter Games. Passports and money were taken. The team is continuing to train.
By Newsroom | Sports, Israel |

Loss of Passports and Valuables Creates Logistical Hurdles

An incident has cast a shadow over the preparations of the Israeli bobsled team as they train for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. An apartment used by the team was reportedly robbed, with valuable items, including passports and a significant sum of money, allegedly stolen. The event has introduced complications for the athletes as they finalize their training.

Details of the Incident

The robbery reportedly occurred on Saturday, a day before the official bobsled training was slated to begin in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. AJ Edelman, the Israeli bobsled pilot and a former Olympian in skeleton, shared the news via social media posts. He stated that passports and "thousands of dollars" worth of other belongings were taken from the team's apartment.

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  • The team continued their training schedule on Saturday, even as an investigation into the incident was initiated by local police.

  • Adam Edelman, also identified as the captain of the Israeli bobsled team, corroborated the account, noting that the team's coach, Itamar Shprinz, was present during the time of the training.

  • Among the stolen items were suitcases, shoes, and equipment.

  • One report indicates that the apartment was not located in Italy, though the team had been training in Europe. The exact location has not been disclosed.

The Israeli Olympic Committee has not issued an immediate statement regarding the incident.

Historical Parallels and Concerns

This event has drawn parallels to past security concerns at the Olympic Games, notably the Munich massacre in 1972. During those games, members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and ultimately killed. The historical context raises questions about security protocols and the safety of athletes.

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  • The 1972 Munich Olympics saw eleven Israeli hostages and one German police officer killed during an attack by the Palestinian militant group Black September.

  • Concerns about the presence of armed personnel at the Munich Games were reportedly noted by the Israeli delegation head even before their arrival.

  • Decisions made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president to continue the games after the 1972 attack faced criticism.

  • Both CBS News and Wikipedia provide detailed accounts of the tragic events in Munich.

Team's Resilience Amidst Setback

Despite the reported theft, the Israeli bobsled team appears determined to proceed with their training. Edelman's social media posts emphasized the team's spirit and commitment, stating, "I really believe this team exemplifies the Israeli Spirit." Israel is participating in bobsled at the Olympics for the first time, having qualified after Britain declined one of its allocated spots.

Broader Context

Recent reports have also mentioned protests occurring in proximity to Olympic-related events. Some reports have linked reactions to the team's situation to broader international sentiments regarding conflicts in the Gaza region.

Expert Analysis

While direct expert commentary on this specific incident is not yet available in the provided data, the historical precedent of the Munich massacre highlights the sensitivity surrounding the participation of Israeli athletes in international sporting events. Past Olympic security measures and the impact of geopolitical events on athlete safety remain enduring concerns for sports organizations.

Conclusion and Implications

The reported robbery of the Israeli bobsled team's apartment, involving the loss of passports and valuables, presents immediate logistical challenges as the team prepares for the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The incident also inevitably brings to mind the historical tragedies that have affected Israeli athletes at the Olympics, raising broader questions about security. The team's apparent resolve to continue training underscores their dedication. The lack of immediate comment from the Israeli Olympic Committee suggests a period of assessment and coordination. The loss of passports will likely require prompt action from diplomatic and consular services to ensure the team can travel and compete without further impediment.

Key Sources and Context

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the Israeli bobsled team?
Their apartment was robbed, and passports and money were stolen.
Q: When did this happen?
It happened on Saturday, just before training was supposed to start.
Q: Is the team still training?
Yes, they are still training for the Winter Games.
Q: What was stolen besides passports and money?
Suitcases, shoes, and equipment were also taken.