The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Leora Kaplan as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Yeshivat He’Atid third grader is pictured getting ready for her judo class. At the Kokushi Kai Judo Academy in Fair Lawn, her judo instructor Sensei Matsumura has won multiple competitions in Japan and is highly regarded. Leora loves all sports including judo, gymnastics, biking and dancing. When asked about Leora, The Jewish Link was told “Leora has a great sense of sportsmanship. She is proud when she has a successful day at judo and she is supportive to her friends when they perform well. She has learned self control, self discipline and although she never lacked confidence, it’s increased in a positive way! She looks forward to class and learning new skills.”
Leora, congratulations on being recognized as this week’s sportstar of the week. Who is your role model and why?
My abba is amazing. He can fix anything and he loves me so much.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is basketball because I like dribbling and throwing the ball into the hoop. I also like trying to bounce the ball under my leg.
What is your earliest sports memory?
I remember jumping off the diving board to swim across my pool and doing gymnastics performances for my family.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I learned to do a handstand, flip, cartwheel and backbend in gymnastics some of which I can do on the trampoline.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
I watched the Olympics with my Abba and we saw the relay races and the runners were so fast they flew.
What is your pregame routine?
I do not have one.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
I love bouncing on the trampoline with my sister and brothers, swimming and riding my bike.
What is your favorite sports moment?
Learning cartwheels and handstands at gymnastics class and I won a trophy. It was so hard and I had to practice a lot, but one day I did it and I was so proud of myself!
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
You could be famous and be on TV for being really great at the sport.
The Humble Toast Sportstar of the Week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
