Bronze medal for Raz Hershko at the Lima Grand Prix: "Happy to return to the podium"
The Israeli athlete competing in the over 78 kg weight category returned to the podium after two tournaments without a medal, after winning by ippon in the bronze medal match against Colombian Brigitte Carabali: "In this period, every medal is important"
Raz Hershko won a bronze medal at the Grand Prix in Lima, Peru. The Israeli, competing in the over 78 kg weight category, defeated Brazilian Tauany Silva by ippon in the quarterfinals, but lost in the semifinals to the Tokyo Olympic champion, Brazilian Beatriz Souza.
Following the loss, Hershko moved to the bronze medal match against Colombian Brigitte Carabali. One minute and 30 seconds into the match, Hershko managed to throw her opponent and win by ippon. "I am happy to return to the podium. Thanks to head coach Shani Hershko and Charles Chibana who accompanied me in the competition, and to the entire staff in Israel who support me along the way," she said. "Thanks to the Israel Judo Association and its head, Moshe Ponti, for the support. Thanks to my sponsors - Adidas Israel, Ofran Lease, Super-Fly, and Nestle Ice Cream. As always, I dedicate the medal to the memory of Yonatan Gutin, to his family, and to all the soldiers of the IDF and the State of Israel."
Shani Hershko, the head coach of the national team, said: "After two tournaments without a medal, Raz Hershko returns to the podium with a bronze medal. Although it is a Grand Prix tournament, in this period every medal and every return to the podium are important."
