Sam delivers again on international stage

Australia’s international Maccabi stalwart Sam Parasol leaves the Pan America Games with two bronze medals in the table tennis event.

Parasol, who also sits on the Maccabi Australia board, picked up his medals in the masters’ singles, and in the opens teams event, alongside his Canadian and American teammates.

Sam has been a safe bet to return with a medal at international Maccabi meets over the years; Sao Paulo is his third Pan America Games, which sit alongside a CV featuring six appearances at the Maccabiah Games since 1977.

Although heavily involved behind the scenes back home, Sam always makes a point to enjoy international tours as a competitor. He is our second medallist in Sao Paulo, behind swimmer Trevor Wainstein.

“While I can stand on my own two feet, I like to compete still when we go on international tours,” Sam quipped after receiving his medal.

“I make a point of going away as a player. When we’re at home, I can do plenty of work for the organisation.”

Sam, who says his involvement in the organisation harks back almost 50 years from his days in Maccabi carnivals, explained what continues to attract him to Maccabi’s festivals of international sport.

“Seeing all the Jewish kids, people, together, united as one is wonderful,” he added.

“Jewish continuity is one of the reasons I continue to be involved.”