Between graduation parties, goodbyes to high school and preparations for Columbia University, Sophie Knapp is keeping up a strict training routine ahead of the biggest event of her final summer at home: the Maccabiah Games.
In this episode of “The Maccabees Are Coming,” we meet Knapp, a 17-year-old gymnast from New Jersey, in the week before she travels to Israel. For Knapp, who already competed in the Games four years ago, the Maccabiah is far more than another competition.
17-year-old New Jersey gymnast Sophie Knapp
“Hi, I'm Sophie Knapp. I'm 17 years old. I'm from New Jersey and I compete in gymnastics,” she says.
Her summer has already begun with the familiar rituals of senior year: friends, yearbooks, graduation parties and pool parties before college begins. “Now that summer has officially begun, my friends and I have been hanging out and having graduation parties and pool parties before we're off to college,” she says.
But training remains at the center of her routine. Before practice, Knapp says, she heats her back for about 10 minutes and has a favorite pre-workout snack: “pretzels with hummus and orange juice.”
“Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life ever since I was 3 years old, and I'm super excited that this summer I'll be representing Team USA at the 2026 Maccabiah Games in Israel,” she says.
Knapp competed at the Maccabiah four years ago, making this return especially meaningful. “It's super special to have the opportunity to return,” she says.
For her, the Maccabiah is not only about scores and medals. “The Maccabiah is so unique because it brings together Jewish athletes from all over the world,” Knapp says. “And it's not just about competition, but about connecting with people who share a common heritage, and creating friendships and long lasting memories.”
That connection to Israel and Jewish life also runs through her family. Her sister, Amalia, is also a gymnast and competed in Maccabi in Mexico City. Knapp says her sister has also spent recent months in Israel as part of her studies.
“My sister has actually been in Israel for about 6 months for her second semester of 10th grade,” she says.
Knapp describes Jewish life as an inseparable part of her daily experience in New Jersey, whether through school, synagogue, community events, friends or family.
“Jewish life is a big part of my everyday experience, whether that's through school, synagogue, community events, or just hanging out with friends and family,” she says.
For Knapp, representing Team USA in Israel shortly before leaving for college adds another layer of meaning to the competition.
“I'm especially excited to represent both my country and my Jewish community while doing the sport I love, since this will likely be one of my final major gymnastics competitions before heading to Columbia University,” she says. “It feels like a really meaningful way to celebrate everything the sport has given me.”
In the coming episodes, we will continue following Knapp, along with other athletes, as they prepare for Israel, make the trip and compete at the Maccabiah Games.
“Over the next few weeks, I'm excited to share my journey as I prepare for Maccabiah, travel to Israel, and experience the games,” Knapp says. “Can't wait to take you along with me.”