Israeli judoka Raz Hershko wins gold in European Championships; team snags 3 bronze
Israel ranks fourth in medal haul in final major tournament before Olympics, with medals also won by Inbar Lanir, Tamar Malka and Timna Nelson-Levy
Israeli Judoka Raz Hershko won her first European Championships gold medal in Zagreb on Saturday, beating French competitor Julia Tolofua in the final and capping a successful tournament for the country.
It is Hershko’s third gold medal overall competing in the +78 kg class. In the previous two years, she won the silver medal at the European Championships.
Israel’s team ranked fourth in the championship out of all countries, winning four medals. Aside from Hershko’s medal, the team also won three bronze medals, achieved by Inbar Lanir (-78 kg), Tamar Malka (-48 kg), and Timna Nelson-Levy (-57 kg).
Hershko told the Ynet news site that she was delighted at her victory, but that her joy was nevertheless limited.
“I dedicate this medal to Yonatan Goutin, without whom the victory is not whole,” she said.
Goutin, who was part of the Israeli judo team, was killed on October 7 while fighting Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Be’eri during the terrorist organization’s onslaught on the south in which gunmen murdered some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped 253 to Gaza.
Hershko added that as far as judo went, “I had a good day, and of course, finishing with gold and being a champion will always make me happy.”
Lanir, ranked first in the world in her weight category, told Ynet that she was disappointed with her loss in the semifinal, but that she was always happy to earn a place on the medal podium.
“I dedicate my medal to my grandfather, Shlomo, who passed away two-and-a-half months ago. I miss you and I hope you’re seeing this and smiling,” she said.
“I feel a great honor to fly the flag and fight for it at every opportunity, and I’m sending strength to all the citizens of Israel, especially the soldiers and the hostages’ families,” she added.
The Israeli judo team’s next hurdle will be the Paris Olympics in July.
