The European Maccabi games is a distinct, athletic event that showcases the skills of Jewish boys and girls every four years. Their efforts are geared towards providing Jewish athletes all over the world the opportunity to blend their heritages and customs through sports. This competition features some of the best Jewish athletes in the world. This past summer, Townsend’s own senior fencer David Zarowin travelled to Berlin to compete in the games.
Training at the North Shore Fencing Club, as well as a captain of the fencing team at THHS, David has demonstrated wondrous potential and experience as a fencer for several years. Though there were over 2,000 athletes and coaches with the same rigorous drive as he, David remained resolute. He placed second in the Mixed Teams Épée (the épée being the largest and heaviest of the three fencing weapons). He described winning the silver medal as “incredibly exciting.”
David has plans to participate in several fencing competitions this fall, furthering his ascend to the top of national rankings. Observing coaches interact with other sports teams has helped David hone his skills as the Fencing Team captain.
He displayed passion about his participation in the games, stating “The European Maccabi Games held in Berlin was such an overwhelmingly emotional experience. I learned how important it is to work together as a united team and that while winning is an amazing experience, just being part of a national team and fencing opponents from all over the world is just as amazing.”
Varsity fencing coach Katherine Yan, currently on maternity leave, had several things to say about David’s success as a fencer. She noted David’s leadership skills and commitment. “Each practice, David spends time to teach his teammates and to run drills. He knows their strengths and weaknesses and customizes their activities.”
Ms. Yan also complimented David’s character. “He also spends time to connect with them on a personal level and truly cares about each and every one of his teammates.”
David hopes to take his newfound experience into his captaincy by championing an aggressive approach with a blade and to teach others to do the same. “It means to refrain from over-passivity and to fence confidently with greater success,” he concluded.
David Zarowin in Berlin with the Maccabi USA team.
If someone doesn’t have a blade or even a sock, he volunteers to share his personal equipment. He would literally give anyone the shirt off his back – sweaty or not.” -Ms. Yan
“It is a privilege to work with wonderful coaches and athletes. From these inspiring people, I have taken away many lessons that I will apply to my captaincy. For example, the strategies that my coach used to encourage us to be more aggressive with the blade. What does this mean? It means to refrain from over-passivity and to fence confidently with greater success.”
Ms. Yan also complimented David’s character. Describing him as motivated, humble, and selfless, Ms. Yan believes that David demonstrates qualities of an excellent captain who plays an integral role on the team. “He also spends time to connect with them on a personal level and truly cares about each and every one of his teammates. If someone doesn’t have a blade or even a sock, he volunteers to share his personal equipment.”
