Keller’s Korner - Olympian Jared Firestone

For years, many Jewish boxers wore a “Star of David” on their trunks when they got into the ring. Jared has become well known for competing with a Star of David on his helmet as he wants to bring Jewish pride to the world.

A Miami Kid on the Olympic Ice

At the 2022 Winter Games, Jared came heartbreakingly close to qualifying. Instead of discouraging him, it fueled him. He doubled down, trained harder, and ultimately earned his place at the 2026 Olympics.

How does a kid born in Miami end up flying headfirst down an icy track at 80 mph in the sport of skeleton?

“It was my dream to represent Israel,” Jared told me. “I ran track at Tulane after being the Broward County sprint champion. I went to law school at Cardozo in New York. Then, at 23, I had a mini stroke. I recovered, and while watching the 2014 Olympics, I saw skeleton on TV and decided to go for it.”

With a $10,000 grant from the City of Miami Beach, Jared began his unlikely Olympic journey.

Why Skeleton?

“I love the running start,” he said. “I could use my track skills to excel.”

That choice paid off — Jared won eight medals on the Olympic qualifying circuit.

He also mentioned teammate AJ Edelman, another Jewish athlete who helped pave the way for Israel in sliding sports. AJ was on the Israel skeleton team at the 2018 and 2026 winter Olympics. Jared added with a smile, “His brother is a comedian you might’ve seen on HBO.”

Training for Winter Olympics in Miami

Where does a Miami athlete train for a winter sport?

“I trained for strength and speed in Deerfield Beach,” Jared said. “And I spent time in Lake Placid, Park City, and Europe.”

Jewish Identity at the Core

Jared had his Bar Mitzvah in North Miami Beach and made Aliyah in 2019. His nickname, “The Jewish Jet,” came not from a Jewish teammate, but from a USA athlete who admired his speed.

His inspirations?

“My dad inspired me to go to law school. AJ Edelman inspired me to get into skeleton.”

He has even raced in St. Moritz — a city in Switzerland and the birthplace of the sport — though not on the historic Cresta Run.

Why Donate the Speed Suit?

“I’m grateful to Miami Beach for awarding me a grant to compete,” Jared said. “I wanted to give back to the community.”

His speech at the museum was heartfelt and deeply moving. He spoke about Miami Beach’s history — once a place that discriminated against Jews — and how meaningful it was to stand there as a proud Jewish Olympian.

Then he said a line that silenced the room:

“I was bringing a country with little history in the sport, and no Infrastructure to support it, all the way to the Olympic Games, where I was able to proudly display the Magen David on my helmet, for millions to see.”

He also thanked Samantha and Josh Bratter, whose immigration law firm and talent agency in Miami Beach helped “put the right people around me” to chase his dream.

A Mother’s Pride

Jared’s mother, Karen Firestone, shared her emotions:

“After October 7th, Jared’s drive increased. I thought he would make the Olympics. This has been so exciting. I was just happy he walked away in one piece.”

A Father’s Perspective

His father, Mark Firestone, added:

“Most athletes in this sport start at age 6, 7, or 8. Jared began as an adult at 26. We are so proud of him.”

A Suit That Represents More Than a Sport

Jared closed his speech with a message that resonated with everyone in the room:

“I wore this suit not just at the World Championships, but at the Olympic Games.”

He did not want to lift only himself — he wanted to lift all Jewish people. And because Miami Beach believed in his dream, he wanted the Jewish Museum of Florida to have the suit that carried him — and Israel — onto the world stage.

Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Friedman)