US pole vaulter now an Israeli Olympian

(JTA) An American immigrant has vaulted into a spot representing Israel at the London Olympics.

Jillian Schwartz, 33, a pole vaulter, says she is proud to represent Israel in the international games. She had represented the United States at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

“My former colleagues in the States may be a bit disappointed that I’m not representing Team USA, but they’re still happy for me and they all congratulated me,” she told Haaretz.

Schwartz spends most of her time in the US, coming back to Israel occasionally for local competitions, according to Haaretz. She reportedly decided to immigrate to Israel and represent the Jewish state due to the strong competition for a place on the US team.

“Just the thought of marching under the Israeli flag at London is very moving,” she told Haaretz. “I have been given a chance to represent the State of Israel and I will do everything it takes to make the most of that.

“Just because I spend most of my time in the States doesn’t mean that I’m not very deeply connected to Israel. As far as I am concerned, I am an Israeli through and through.