Orthodox Athlete Missing the Olympics

News

logoprint
Feb 20, 2020 | News | Jerusalem & Area
Orthodox Athlete Missing the Olympics

When Glenn Ackerman bought his daughter Estee her first table tennis set when she was 8, he couldn't even see her above the table. "All I could see was her paddle and she would hit the ball with unerring accuracy," Glen said in an exclusive Aish.com interview. It became obvious that Estee was exceptional at the sport. Each day after school, Estee would spend her evening practicing, improving her skills until she was a world-class player while still a child.

Soon, Estee Ackerman was the top ranked girl player in New York state, and one of the highest-ranking child players in the US. Her religious observance didn’t prevent her from thriving as a player. Her high school day lasted from 8am until 6pm, learning Jewish and general studies, and Estee would then spend hours practicing and honing her game. She played wearing a skirt and couldn’t share in meals in non-kosher restaurants with other players. Despite these minor differences, Estee always felt accepted by her fellow players.

Full Story (Aish.com)


Share:

More News