Israeli Adaptive Judo Champion Lidor Friedman Wins European Bronze
Israeli adaptive judo champion Lidor Friedman won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Belgrade, triumphing over cerebral palsy and inspiring others.
Lidor Friedman, the 2026 Israeli champion in adaptive judo, secured a bronze medal at the European Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia. Born with cerebral palsy, Friedman overcame overwhelming odds after doctors initially told his parents he might never walk. Growing up, Friedman experienced frequent falls, tumbling 10 to 20 times a day, but persevered through rigorous physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and a complex surgery in the United States followed by extensive rehabilitation.
His latest achievement in Belgrade adds to an impressive international record, which includes a silver medal at the 2024 Under-21 World Championships and a second-place finish at the 2025 European Championships in the same age group. Beyond his athletic triumphs, Friedman has faced significant social adversity, including offensive remarks on the street and online regarding his gait, as well as incidents where bus drivers refused to stop for him.
«You see how I walk, but from my walk you cannot know my entire story. With this walk I step onto the mat. With this walk I stand on the podium. With this walk I represent the State of Israel», Friedman stated.
Alongside his rigorous training regime, Friedman participates in the Adi Story program, training to deliver public lectures about his life journey. Through his speeches, he aims to inspire children facing similar challenges, ensuring they feel understood and empowered to overcome adversity without asking for pity.
