Reuven Helman (Hebrew: ראובן הלמן; 1927 – July 11, 2013) was a former Maccabiah Olympian recognized as a weightlifting champion, distinguished athlete in Track and Field,[1] the Decathlon and for his career as an athletic instructor.[2] He competed in shot-put and javelin. Helman came in second in 1957 in the International Maccabiah Games in Tel Aviv, and had also competed in 1953.[1][3]
Reuven Helman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1927 |
| Died | July 11, 2013 (aged 86) Paris |
| Nationality |  Israel |
| Known for | Maccabi Olympian War Veteran Weightlifting Champion Track and Field Champion Grenade Flinging |
| Children | Noava, Aryela and Hedva[1] |
Personal life edit
Helman became an adherent of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement after visiting its spiritual head, Rabbi Menachem M. Schnerson.[1] He attributed his strength to kosher eating, clean living and exercise.[4]
Military service edit
Helman fought in Israeli's 1948 war of independence and was dubbed the “human cannon” for his ability to fling grenades over 75 meters when army supplies were short.[4] He also received a war medal for his service in World War II.[5]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Israeli Weight-Lifting Champion Took a Taxi to the Front Lines". Jewish Exponent. June 7, 1963. Retrieved 2011-12-02.
- ^ Berger, Ch. (Sports Director) (March 22, 1953). "Official Letter about Mr. Helman". "Maccabi" Sports Organisation. Retrieved 2011-12-02.
- ^ "Reuven Helman, 86, OBM". Community News Service. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
- ^ a b Leabman, Sol (August 8, 1963). "From Here and There: Times' Bits". The Jewish Times. Retrieved 2011-12-02.
- ^ "War Medal - Signed Document: for service in 1939-1945 War". Ministry of Defense: The Army Medal Office. Retrieved 2011-12-02.