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.

Dini's kosher restaurant in Beijing plans to be open '4 hours a day, seven days a week, during the '008 Olympic Games. Alison Klayman

BEIJING – Gold medalists won't be the only ones climbing podiums in Beijing once the '008 Olympic Games are under way. Isaac Shapiro will be stepping up to celebrate his bar mitzvah.

Isaac, of Highland Park, Ill., will be called to the Torah at the Chabad House in Beijing on Aug. 16.

Isaac and his family are among the hundreds of Jewish tourists, athletes, dignitaries, and media expected to converge on the Chinese capital for the '008 Olympic Games, which begin Aug. 8.

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.

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.

Martin Bodek approaches the finish line. Brightroom Event Photography

PASSAIC – He started his morning at the so-called Marathon Minyan on Staten Island, along with about five dozen other hopefuls. He fueled his '6-mile, 385-yard run with kosher snacks and drinks.

And though 3'-year-old Martin (Mordechi) Bodek of this city did not win the Nov. 4 New York City Marathon, he completed the grueling race in four hours, 40 minutes, and nine seconds — close to his goal of 4:'4 and with enough time to get to afternoon services.

Ryan Braun, at bat, was just named "Rookie of the Year." Courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers

Ryan Braun this season accomplished something that Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, or any other Jewish Hall of Famer never did: He was named Rookie of the Year.

Braun, the slugging third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, picked up the award Monday in the National League. In the voting by the Baseball Writers of America, Braun edged Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, 1'8-1'6.

"To show you how good Ryan was, in any other year Troy Tulowitzki would have won hands down," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told The Associated Press.

BOSTON – Rafael Bergstrom, a 6'5" righthander who last month hurled a complete game shutout to lead the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox to the championship, has become the first player from the Israel Baseball League signed to a pro contract in the U.S.

Bergstrom, who turned '6 on September 5, has signed with the independent Atlantic League's Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish, managed by former big league star Tommy John, and will join the team immediately. The league's regular season ended September 16.

Israeli tennis players Jonathan Erlich, left, and Andy Ram are launching a foundation to help American Jewish athletes.

In the philanthropic equivalent of a return volley, two top Israeli tennis players who have received the support of American Jews want to raise money for disadvantaged American Jewish children.

Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich, a doubles pair ranked sixth in the world, are trying to start a foundation that would provide grants to young American Jews for their athletic training.