Gold Medal Support
By Hank Gola
Jackie Dubrovich achieved her longtime dream, winning gold as part of the United States women’s team foil squad at the Paris Olympics. The members of North Jersey Country Club made sure it was even more special.
Jackie’s mom, Valentina, works the halfway house at NJCC. Sweet and unassuming, she is among the club’s most beloved and longest-standing employees. She and her husband Anthony were unable to make the trip to Tokyo to attend their daughter’s first Olympics and it appeared as though they would have to watch her compete on television once more. That’s when Ryan Minetti, Pete Wilchek and Alex Kuffel stepped in to start a Go Fund Me page that raised $17,000.
“I was talking to Pete and he mentioned that Valentina said she didn't think they could go because they couldn't afford it,” Minetti explained. “We just said that was unacceptable, let's just come up with a Go Fund Me, and blast it out to the membership. It was really that simple. It took off like wildfire.”
“Valentina has always been the heart and soul of our club, selflessly caring for everyone with a warmth and kindness that’s unmatched,” Kuffel added. “When the opportunity arose to support her and her husband, it felt like the perfect way to give back. The joy and pride we felt in coming together for her reflects the strong sense of community we have here.”
The Dubrovich story is heartwarming. Valentina and Anthony were married in their native Belarus and emigrated when it was still part of the Soviet Union. Their children, Jackie and Jason, who starred in soccer at Central Connecticut State, were born in the US as their parents made their way in their adopted country.
“My parents are the classic immigrant story of coming to this country with very little, not knowing the language, and to see them create this life for themselves and work so hard; they are my biggest supporters and my biggest inspiration,” Jackie said.
Her parents started her in fencing at the suggestion of a cousin when she was just eight as they tried to find a sport for what she laughingly calls her “awkwardly lanky self.” By age 12, she was competing nationally. At Columbia University, she became a four-time All American and two-time captain. But after failing to medal at Tokyo, she made the decision to put her life on hold, including a successful career in ad tech and her marriage to her fiancée, her coach, Brian Kanshige, to go all-in for Paris at age 30.
Dubrovich wept in Kanshige’s arms after she was eliminated in the first round of the individual foil competition but was weeping tears of joy four days later.
“It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said. “And it meant so much because my parents couldn't be there in Tokyo. They don't travel much, and they haven’t been to too many competitions with me, so for them to be able to experience the excitement of the Olympics and the biggest stage in fencing. I think they had the most incredible time.
“You dream of these moments, and even if you do have the best team possible, it's never guaranteed to win the gold. There are so many things that must work in your favor, and so many obstacles that you have to overcome. They were my support system for so many years and for them to be able to witness this gold medal, it’s incredible.”
Valentina was there to console her daughter after her individual loss, being sure to tell her that there was still the team foil left. She knew how hard her daughter had worked since she was a youngster and as Jackie helped the US past Canada and was taking on Italy in the gold medal final, it was Valentina who needed the handkerchief. Jackie’s father told her that her mom was crying with every touch she scored. “That’s my mom, the crier, she’s very sensitive,” she said.
“I’m wearing sunglasses, and I’m crying,” Valentina confirmed. “My husband said, ‘stop crying.’ I said, ‘This is good cry. Don't bother me.’ But he was crying, too – and screaming at the officials when he thought they were wrong. I told him, ‘people are looking at you like you’re crazy.’ It was very stressful, but all the French people around us were happy for us.”
Watching the American flag raised while the national anthem was played brought more tears to Valentina and Anthony, who could scarcely have imagined such a moment when they left Belarus.
“I saw her right after the podium,” Jackie said. “I ran up to where they were in the stands, and my father and my mother were there, and then my future sister-in-law and her family were there, and my best friend. They were all in the front row, and I was able to help them hold the gold medal and to hug me.”
Back at North Jersey, the gold medal was the talk of the club. General manager Chelsea Creo decorated the halfway house for Valentina’s return. Jackie, who once caddied at NJCC, will bring the medal to the club for a meet and greet.
“We’re so appreciative. I know my mom really loves the country club, and it’s just so beautiful to see everybody come together and to show their support for her,” she said. “It meant a lot to our family.”
“The support here . . . wonderful,” Valentina said. “One family supporting another.”