If Not Me, Who; If Not Now, When? A Conversation with Beatie Deutsch’s Attorney, Akiva Shapiro

Beatie Deutsch, a two-time podcast guest, also known as “Speedy Beatie,” mother of five and the top female marathoner in Israel, recently retained attorney Akiva Shapiro of Gibson Dunn and Crutcher to ensure that she can run in the 2021 Olympic marathon. As Akiva explains, the women’s marathon at the Tokyo games is set for a Saturday in August 2021. The women’s race is typically scheduled for a Sunday, and this is the first time the race has been scheduled on a Saturday. Beatie, who is an Orthodox Jew, observes the Sabbath, and, as a result, she does not run between sundown on Friday and sundown on Saturday. Akiva shares on the podcast why Beatie’s case is important, why the concept of reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs and observances is a well-established principle, and why Beatie is reluctantly and bravely advocating for change. Please share this episode to support Beatie’s efforts to promote her inclusion in the Olympic Games. Thanks to RnJ Sports for sponsoring our podcast and please consider leaving a review!