The Jewish Link of Bergen County and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 21-year-old Yitzi Markel as this week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week. Yitzi is a co-captain of the Yeshiva University Cross Country Team, who overcame a serious injury and performed at the top of his game during the second half of the season. Markel missed the team’s first three races while recovering, but when he returned he was a top-three team finisher in each of the team’s last four races, including a top-two finish in the last three. In his last race he, posted a season best 30:22 at the Skyline Conference Championship on October 26th. Last week Yitzi recorded a personal best 16:42 at the Yavneh Academy 5k at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus.
Yitzi, who is one of your favorite athletes?
Steve Prefontaine, legendary track runner from the 1970s. Prefontaine is famous for his fiery attitude and fearless running style. He went into every race knowing that there wasn’t a person on the planet who could beat him. During his career, he held the American record for every distance from 2,000-10,000 meters. His confidence, passion and determination have inspired me in every race. He’s also famous for his many quotes, my favorite being, “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”
Who is one of your role models?
My role model is my Dad. From a very young age my dad has always been my coach and my mentor. As a lifetime athlete and NYC Marathoner himself, he taught me what it takes to strive under pressure and accomplish my best. He drilled into my head a “no excuses” attitude and always challenged me to bring my best. The value of consistent hard work was always stressed and results could not be expected overnight. He also taught me that the way you conduct yourself on the field or track is much more important than how you play.
Do you have a specific pregame meal?
Usian Bolt, the “world’s fastest man,” is famous for eating over 1,000 chicken nuggets at the Beijing Olympics where he won gold medals in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4×100 meter relay. However, for those of us who are not super human sprinters, a simple bagel and banana is more than adequate on race day.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory as a Yeshiva University cross-country runner was setting the YU school record for the 5K distance at the 2013 Nick Russo Cross Country Classic. I completed the course in 16:59 and was the individual winner of the race. It was an exhilarating race and a moment I’ll never forget.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Enjoying a road trip; I’m a car enthusiast at heart!
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
To me, nothing beats the raw thrill of competition and challenging myself to be my best. Every time I put on my spikes I know there’s a chance I can do something I couldn’t do yesterday. It often comes down to the painful moments in the middle the race, when your brain and body are screaming at you to slow down, and you overcome that fear, pain and doubt to do something you only dreamed of achieving. That’s what being a Sportstar all is about.
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week receives a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger, with the exception of NCAA athletes who are prohibited from such, by NCAA regulations. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
