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Champion equestrian sportswoman Rebecca Weisbrod, who won her class in the Maccabiah 2013 games, was killed yesterday in a training accident in New York, after she fell off her horse while negotiating a hurdle.

Weisbrod, 21, intended to rejoin the "Jewish Olympics" in the Maccabiah session next summer, and was hoping to compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games in four years.

The Israel Equestrian Union mourned her passing: "We announce, with great sorrow, Rebecca's untimely and tragic riding accident last night in the US. We were lucky to meet Rebecca during the summer of 2013, after she arrived in Israel as part of the American delegation to the 19th Maccabiah Games, games during which she won the gold for individuals' showjumping."

"Rebecca was the epitome of the sportsmanship, a talented rider, and and impressive athlete who captured all our hearts with her smile and unique personality. On this day, our thoughts are with the Weisbrod family, and Rebecca's friends. Rest in peace, Rebecca, you will always have a special place in the hearts of the Equestrian Union and of the State of Israel."