Adam Berdichevsky (born 1982 or 1983) is an Israeli wheelchair tennis player. He has represented Israel at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics, and is scheduled to represent Israel at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[1]
 Berdichevsky at the 2016 Summer Paralympics | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Native name | אדם ברדיצבסקי |
| Sport | |
| Country | Israel |
| Sport | Wheelchair tennis |
As of 2023, Berdichevsky was ranked the #1 men's wheelchair tennis player in Israel,[2] and as of 2024 he is ranked #41 globally by the International Tennis Federation.[3][4]
Life
editIn 2007, after completing his service in the IDF, Berdichevsky and his wife, Hila, went on a year of travel. After visiting Australia and New Zealand, they stopped in Thailand. There, the two were caught in a storm while on a yacht trip. When the boat began to sink and the two jumped into the water, Adam was caught in the engine, causing him to lose most of his left leg and injuring his right leg.[2] He now uses prostheses to walk.[5]
Berdichevsky has won six Israeli national titles and represented the country at six World Championships.[3] In 2019 he ranked #19 globally for men's wheelchair tennis.[4] He is a member of club Ilan Ramat Gan, and is coached by Ofer Sela.[6]
At the 2016 Summer Paralympics, he competed in the men's singles competition. At the 2020 Summer Paralympics, he competed in both the men's singles and men's doubles competitions.[7]
Berdichevsky, his wife, Hila, and their three children were living in the kibbutz of Nir Yitzhak when it was attacked by Hamas forces on October 7, 2023. Following the attack, which the family survived, they were evacuated to Eilat.[3] They later moved temporarily to the American state of Texas to live near fellow wheelchair tennis player Guy Sasson.[2][8]
Berdichevsky served as one of Israel's flagbearers, alongside Lihi Ben-David, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[3]
References
edit- ^ Spiro, Amy (2024-08-05). "Israel's flagbearers at Paralympics are Lihi Ben David and Oct. 7 survivor Adam Berdichevsky". The Times of Israel.
- ^ a b c Levin, Judy Bluestein (2023-12-21). "Houston community welcomes Israeli family whose kibbutz was attacked by Hamas Oct. 7". jhvonline.com. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ a b c d Gurvis, Jacob (2024-08-21). "One of Israel's flag bearers in the Paralympics is a survivor of Oct. 7". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ a b "Adam Berdichevsky Tennis Player Profile". International Tennis Federation. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ Hadar, Alon (2016-09-01). "Meet Israel's Paralympians". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ תשובה, אברהם (2023-08-10). "המשחקים הפראלימפיים: נדב לוי ניצח 1:4 והעפיל לגמר אליפות אירופה בבוצ'יה". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ "Adam Berdichevsky - Wheelchair Tennis | Paralympic Athlete Profile". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
- ^ Blas, Howard (2024-02-12). "The hectic life of Guy Sasson, world-ranked Israeli wheelchair tennis player". Jewish News Syndicate.