A Vernon cyclist and kickboxer has received a top international honour, adding another feather in her cap in recognition of her illustrious multi-sport career.
The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its class of 2025 Wednesday, Jan. 22, and Leah Goldstein is on the list of inductees.
As the Hall of Fame committee said in its announcement of her induction, Goldstein B次元官网网址� born in Vancouver and raised in Israel B次元官网网址� is an "enduring multi-sport champion." In 1989 she became the women's world kickboxing champion. In 2021, she became the first woman to win the arduous, 3,000 mile cycling Race Across America.
"In the 32 years between those two championships, this indefatigable all-round athlete compiled a long list of accomplishments, including duathlon champion of Israel in 1998 and Israeli national womenB次元官网网址檚 road cycling champion of 2008 and 2009," the Hall of Fame stated.
Last year, at the age of 55, Goldstein was , cycling across 10 U.S. states for a total distance of nearly 7,000 kilometres.
Goldstein and the 13 others will be officially inducted on July 8.
In a statement, Goldstein said being inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honours an athlete can receive.
"I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to join this prestigious legacy," Goldstein said. "This July will mark a defining moment in my athletic journey, a memory I will cherish forever. Standing alongside 13 incredible athletes to celebrate our shared passion and dedication is truly monumental.
"I will embrace this honour with immense pride and gratitude, carrying this moment in my heart as a lasting reminder of the power of perseverance, dedication, and love for my sport."
A Canadian-Jewish dual citizen, Goldstein is still competing at highest levels on her bike. She's also more than 10-years into a public speaking career, giving motivational speeches and sharing messages of courage, growth and overcoming sexism.
Goldstein is in good company in the class of 2025. Also being inducted to the Hall of Fame this year is 2003 National Basketball Association Rookie of the Year and six-time NBA all-star Amar'e Stoudemire; former No. 1 welterweight boxing contender Gary "The Kid" Jacobs; eight-time Paralympic swimming medalist Hanoch Budin; and three-time fencing Olympian (and survivor of Nazi occupation) Yves Dreyfus, among others.
The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame honours Jewish individuals worldwide who have accomplished extraordinary achievements or made significant contributions to society through sports. It was formally inaugurated in 1981. Its predecessor, the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, was founded in the U.S. in 1979.
To see the full list of this year's inductees, visit .
