Having escaped the Holocaust as boys, two 80-year-old Jewish doctors from the United States have returned to Vienna to swim in the European Maccabi Games and have the last laugh at the Nazis who tormented their youth.

Competing at the Jewish version of the Olympics caps a life intertwined for John Benfield and Arthur Figur, boyhood friends who learned to swim in Vienna, fled when Nazi Germany annexed Austria, and became successful physicians in their adopted home.

Hans Bienenfeld -- and his lifelong friend Figur are among the nearly 2,000 Jewish athletes from 37 countries competing at the European Maccabi Games, which are held every four years.

Some shots showing the spirit of this gang.

Jews who fled Nazis return for Vienna games
John Benfield (R) of the U.S. Steps onto the starting block for a swimming event during the 13th European Maccabi games at the Stadionbad open air pool in Vienna July 8, 2011. REUTERS
Jews who fled Nazis return for Vienna games
John Benfield (R) of the U.S. reacts after a swimming event during the 13th European Maccabi games at the Stadionbad open air pool in Vienna July 8, 2011. REUTERS
Jews who fled Nazis return for Vienna games
Arthur Figur of the U.S. reacts after a swimming event during the 13th European Maccabi games at the Stadionbad open air pool in Vienna July 8, 2011. REUTERS
Jews who fled Nazis return for Vienna games
Arthur Figur of the U.S. competes during a swimming event during the 13th European Maccabi games at the Stadionbad open air pool in Vienna July 8, 2011 REUTERS
Jews who fled Nazis return for Vienna games
John Benfield (R) and Arthur Figur of the U.S. prepare for a swimming event during the 13th European Maccabi games at the Stadionbad open air pool in Vienna July 8, 2011 REUTERS
Germany Germany Racism Religion