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
editHelman 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
editHelman 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
editReferences
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.