Israel picked up three gold medals at the Tel Aviv Grand Prix this week. Under the leadership of coach Shani Hershko, Shira Rishony defeated Ukraine's Maryna Cherniak to win gold in the women's under 48-kilogram category, while Timna Nelson-Levy beat Daria Mezhetskaia from Russia to clinch the gold in the under-57 kilogram category.
Despite losing in a match to Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi, Gili Cohen was still able to win the silver medal in the women's under-52 kilogram category.
Rishony said, "It is amazing to start the year off like this." She said she felt the crowd's energy and heard the cheers throughout the entire match.
Dozens of Israeli children in judo robes, some of them having arrived straight from judo practice, were in attendance to cheer on the Israeli judokas.
Also spotted at the event – International Judo Federation Chairman Marius Vizer, who repeated his assertion that Israel would make a great host for the 2022 World Judo Championships. One thing is for certain, the Israeli crowd is ready and waiting.
Two-time European Judo Championships gold medalist Sagi Muki was set to compete on Friday, while Olympic bronze medalist Ori Sasson, who has his sights set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was scheduled to take the mat on Saturday.
