Israel's first Olympic bobsled team heads to Italy in bid they have dubbed Shul Runnings'

"A handful of diverse athletes a pole-vaulter, sprinter, shot-putter, rugby player, and former Olympian in skeleton will compete as Israel's first bobsled team during this year's Milan Cortina Winter Games, unlikely ambassadors of their diplomatically isolated nation. Most of these guys had never touched a sled before this season. Their leader, AJ Edelman, is believed to be the first Orthodox Jew to ever compete in a Winter Games. Another founding member of the team, Ward Farwaseh, will likely to be the first Druze Olympian."

"The athletes say they are proud to represent Israel. They hope to be role models for young Israeli athletes and lay the groundwork for future gold in the sport. I used to be at the bottom of the pack athletically, and I made it here to the Olympics, so there must be some self-selection process, said Edelman, speaking to AP from Italy."

A handful of athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds will form Israel's first Olympic bobsled team at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Most team members had never touched a sled before this season. Team leader AJ Edelman is believed to be the first Orthodox Jew to compete in a Winter Games, and teammate Ward Farwaseh will likely be the first Druze Olympian. Their participation coincides with international sports boycotts, bans and backlash tied to the Gaza war, which has killed more than 71,800 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry. The athletes say they are proud to represent Israel and hope to inspire future competitors.

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