For Jacqui Boyd, representing South Africa at the Maccabiah Games has become a lifelong journey spanning more than three decades. This year, at the event held after its postponement in 2025, she once again demonstrated why she is one of South African Jewish sport’s most accomplished tennis players, adding two more gold medals to an extraordinary collection.
Jacqui claimed the Women’s Masters Singles title for the third consecutive Games, having previously won the event in 2017 and 2022. She also successfully defended her Mixed Doubles crown alongside her Argentinian partner, a title they first won together in 2022. Remarkably, it was her fifth consecutive Mixed Doubles gold medal, following victories in 2005, 2013, 2017, 2022 and now 2026. She did not compete at the 2009 Games.
The latest triumphs bring her overall Maccabiah tally to an impressive 11 medals – nine gold and two bronze.
Reflecting on the achievement, Jacqui says it is difficult to believe how far the journey has taken her.
“This was my sixth Maccabiah. I first competed in 1993 as a 14-year-old and was the youngest member of the South African delegation that year. To still be competing and winning more than 30 years later is incredibly special.”
She faced a familiar opponent in the Women’s Masters Singles final, defeating the same Russian-Israeli player she overcame to win the title in 2022.
Jacqui previously represented South Africa in the Open category before moving into the Masters division from 2017 onwards.
Tennis has long held a special place in South Africa’s Maccabiah history. It remains the only sport in which South Africa has competed at every Maccabiah Games since 1935 and has delivered more medals for the country than any other sporting code.
This year’s Games carried particular emotional significance. Postponed from last year until 2026, they became the largest gathering of Jewish athletes in Israel since October 7, 2023, under the theme, More Than Ever.
“These Games were even more meaningful because of everything that Israel and Jewish communities around the world have been through,” says Jacqui. “It was amazing how many of the Israelis we competed against thanked us simply for coming and being part of the Games.”
She says the experience extended far beyond the tennis court.
“Israel really put on an incredible Maccabiah. I’m so grateful to have been there, competing as a proud Jew and a proud South African.”
