David Frankl can run rings around most other kids his age.

In fact, the teenage gymnast is so accomplished on the rings — his favorite gymnastics competition — that he’s earned a trip to the World Maccabiah Games, to be held in Israel from July 13 to 23.

That’s quite an accomplishment for a 15-year-old high school freshman who loves the Yankees and the Jets, listening to rap, and playing classical music on his violin.

Garrett Weber-Gale, who won the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials, is one of four Jewish swimmers on the American squad going to Beijing. A. Dawson/flickr

For Jason Lezak, Ben Wildman-Tobriner, and Garrett Weber-Gale, the marketing possibilities are endless — perhaps "The Three Chaverim" or "Jews in the Pool."

All three Jewish sprinters are hoping to make a splash as part of the U.S. men's swimming team heading to Beijing for the '008 Summer Olympics.

Not only will they be competing as individuals, but they are expected to make up three-fourths of the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team.

Irina Risenzon, a Ukrainian immigrant to Israel, practices her routine in preparation for the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the Beijing Olympics. Brian Hendler

NETANYA, Israel – On one side of the cavernous gym, six members of Israel's first Olympic rhythmic gymnastics team warm up in a circle, chatting softly in a mix of Russian and Hebrew while stretching their legs in effortless splits on the mat.

Nearby, Irina Risenzon, a fellow gymnast competing in the individual category, is trying to master a leap in which her head must tilt backward to meet a bent leg.

It's late afternoon and the young women, ranging in age from 17 to '', have been practicing for much of the day. In black T-shirts and black shorts, they appear to be in uniform, reinforcing a feeling of discipline and order that marks their training and routines.