Athlete Profile: Tom Wassermann

Age: 18
Hometown: Fair Lawn,  NJ

Years racing: 1

Favorite Food: Pretzels... either the ones you buy in NYC or at the mall. Buy me a pretzel and I'll do anything for you.

Favorite Movie: You Don't Mess With the Zohan

Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory

Most exotic place traveled: Costa Rica

Special Pre-Race/Pump up song: Lose Yourself - Eminem

How did you get involved in triathlons?

I probably played around 10 different sports competitively my whole life, so I am very versatile when it comes to athletic competitions. I first heard of a triathlon when I saw an Ironman on T.V a few years ago. I was pretty intimidated at first, it seemed like a long and torturous event that in which you only suffered. I couldn't understand why some people would sign up for something like that, or even make a profession out of it. After some learning what a triathlon was and that there were shorter distances and that there was an actual method to train for it, I decided to give it a shot. While I definitely suffered in some forms, I enjoyed the experience and continued to train and race.

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer?

This summer I am definitely looking forward to representing the U.S in my first international competition. I am very excited and can't wait to meet great athletes from all around the world. It should be a great experience filled with many memories.

Role Model/someone you look up to and why?

My parents without a doubt. They are always working so hard, even when they think that I don't see it, they are still working. They have always believed in me and helped pushed me beyond reality to help me succeed. They have helped pave the path called success and I definitely would not be here if it wasn't for them. I owe everything to them and I love them so much.  

Athlete Profile: Ari Epstein

Age: 24

Hometown: Long Grove, IL

Years racing: 5

Favorite Food: Cheerios, absolutely Cheerios

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Most exotic place traveled: Shell, Wyoming
Special Pre-Race/Pump up song: Versus Tour de France theme, lol
Favorite Sport/Team: Chicago Blackhawks

How did you get involved in triathlons? 

After swimming through high school, I first picked up cycling because a close friend and teammate's dad was a former professional cyclist in Europe. Cycling was a nice way to beat the cabin fever from swimming indoors year-round, but I didn't start racing until college. Because I loved both sports equally, I decided to just do both.  Running and I have a complicated relationship, though. 

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer? I have never raced in a national, let alone international, event, so I am beyond honored to represent my country and community. Beyond the few events I'm fortunate enough to race, I've always admired how the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, etc. have [with a few notable exceptions] managed to create goodwill and fraternity between nations through sport. I look forward to being part of that celebration this July. 

Role Model/someone you look up to and why? 

Without question, my parents made difficult decisions and sacrifices to give me opportunities in school, sport, and any other interest I ever had. I am forever indebted to them. I've also been lucky enough to volunteer for the last two years as a guide for paraplegic triathletes and as a coach for paraplegic sled hockey players in Chicago. These athletes and their advocates have fought for their own niche in adaptive sports and defy their limitations with strength, passion, and grit. They inspire me to be a better person. 

If you would like to sponsor Ari, feel free to go to his individual fundraising page by clicking here

Athlete Profile: Juli White

Age: 21

Hometown: Beverly Hills, CA

Years Racing Triathlons: 4

Favorite Food: Anything with bananas, I average 3 a day

Pre-Race Music: The original pump up mix that has been circulating on my college team for 6 years

Favorite Movie: The Wedding Singer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Israel

Favorite Sports Team: Lakers

Most Exotic Place Traveled: Morocco

How did you first get involved in Triathlons?

My senior year of high school I dislocated my ankle playing softball. My dad kept telling me that swimming would increase the mobility of my ankle. He had done a couple triathlons so when I got to college I decided to join the triathlon team to meet people, stay in shape, and increase my ankle mobility. My first race was in UC Davis and I’ve been hooked ever since!

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer?

I am most excited to meet the other athletes, both from the US and abroad.  I can’t wait to share the experience of representing our countries with the US athletes and those from other countries. My favorite part of triathlon is meeting the people and getting to know them because each athlete is so special. I’m sure Israel will be no exception.

Who is someone you look up to, or role model?

I think my mom will always be my top role model, but at the moment I am trying to look up to my friends on my team that recently graduated. its thanks to them that I enjoyed the sport as much as I did and they were constant examples on how to live a balanced life.

If you would like to sponsor Juli, feel free to go to her individual fundraising page by clicking here

Athlete Profile: Gabi Wasserman

Age: 20

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Years Racing: 2

Special Pre-Race/Pump up song: Eminem has some epic pump up music
Favorite Movie: Princess and the Frog
Favorite Band/musician:Bruce Springsteen
Favorite Food: French Baguette
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation

How did you first get involved in triathlons? 

I used to play club soccer, and the league games were on Saturdays. In observance of Shabbat, I would ride my bike to the soccer fields instead of driving and then play the game. Club soccer ended when I started college, so I was looking for something to fill the void. I decided to combine the biking and running, throw in swimming for good measure, and started competing in triathlon.

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer?

I’m very excited to meet other Jewish athletes from around the world. Being Jewish and being an athlete are two things that are a core part of me, and the environment at the Maccabiah Games is an incredible fusion of these two things. I’m very eager to compete, make connections, and build relationships with other Jewish athletes like myself.

Who is someone you look up to, or role model?

Definitely my parents. My parents have always supported me, no matter what I do. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in an environment where I was always able to do the things I loved. This is, in a huge part, due to the fact that my parents were always encouraging me to do the things I was passionate about. The opportunities that I’ve had and the healthy environment I have grown up in are things that I hope I can provide to my children one day.

If you would like to sponsor Gabi, feel free to go to his individual fundraising page by clicking here.

Athlete Profile: Chad Fiedler

Age: 23

Hometown: Randolph, NJ

Years Racing Triathlons: 5

Favorite Food: Baked Ziti

Pre-Race Music: Eminem

Favorite Movie: Gangs of New York

Favorite Vacation Spot: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Favorite Sports Team: New Jersey Devils

Most Exotic Place Traveled: Odessa, Ukraine

How did you first get involved in Triathlons?

I first started racing triathlons when I saw an ad at a local bike shop about a triathlon that was taking place in my town(the course actually passed my house). I thought it would be cool to race past my house so I signed up! I didnt have a bike so maybe my registration was a bit premature but my Aunt and Grandma came through and bought me a road bike for my birthday. I did well, had a blast, and have been hooked ever since!

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer?

What I most look forward to this summer is because able to represent the United States and having the opportunity to meet so many other Jewish athletes from around the world. I think the Opening Ceremony will be amazing and will be a great way to see how great this competition really is. Over the 2 week competition Im really excited about getting to train with triathlon teams from some other countries and making a lot of new
friends; and of course cheering on Team USA!

Who is someone you look up to, or role model?

Someone I have always looked up to is my Mom. Throughout my life she has always been there to support me in all the things that I do and set a good example that with hard work you can achieve anything. I am looking forward to having all of my family travel to Israel cheer me on and share this experience.

If you would like to sponsor Chad, feel free to go to his individual fundraising page by clicking here.

Athlete Profile: Ryan Krasner

Age: 29

Hometown: San Diego, California

Years Racing Triathlons: 3

Favorite Food: Fish & Sushi

Pre-Race Music: I switch up my pre-race jams, but it's definitely EDM right now

Favorite Movie: Snatch

Favorite Vacation Spot: Los Cabos, Baja Mexico

Favorite Sports Team: San Diego Chargers

Most Exotic Place Traveled: South Africa

How did you first get involved in Triathlons?

I got involved in racing by chance. I was flipping through a health magazine and saw an advertisement for a race! It didn't seem too difficult, so I signed up for my first sprint distance and was hooked. I joined a great local training team, Breakaway Training, to get faster, stronger, and more involved with triathlon in general. I haven't looked back since!

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer?

I'm very excited for the open ceremony. About 12 years ago, I was a spectator watching my father represent the USA for tennis, the experience as a spectator was very memorable, and I remember saying to my father, that one day I'll get to experience the games as an athlete.

Who is someone you look up to, or role model?

My ultimate role model(s) have to be my parents. They are the most genuine & hard working individuals that I know. I would never be the man I am today without their guidance,generosity, and love. They are a constant reminder for me, that if you put in the hard work, you will achieve success. I am forever great full to have them as my role models, and ultimately as my parents.

If you would like to sponsor Ryan, feel free to go to his individual fundraising page by clicking here.