Israeli Judoka Raz Hershko Makes History as First Israeli to Lead International Judo Federation

Raz Hershko is the very first Israeli judoka to have taken the lead in the senior championship of the International Judo Federation on Saturday.

This ranking includes 2,000 female athletes aged 17 and over, from more than 200 countries, all weight categories combined.

“It’s very flattering for me, and very motivating, but it’s only a step,” reacted Hershko, 25.

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She thanked her team, adding that she was “neither blinded nor particularly pleased” with this ranking.

Raz’s aunt, Shani Hershko, who coaches Israel’s national judo team, said her niece works “24/7 to improve.”

“We favor the most difficult fights in order to take milestones and mark history, as much as possible”, explains the trainer, echoing the words of her niece on the notion of stage on the way to ” other historic successes.

“Raz is not just an incredible athlete, he is also an extraordinary person. She is an example for many boys and girls. What she has done so far is clearly inspiring. This ranking is not accidental, it is the result of hard work, to which is added that of Shani Hershko and the Israeli women’s team. I’m very proud of her,” says Moshe Ponte, president of the Israel Judo Association.

Israel’s Raz Hershko in her final women’s bout against Turkey’s Kayra Sayit (not pictured), at the Tel Aviv Judo Grand Slam Championships in Tel Aviv on February 18, 2023. (Jack Guez/AFP)

In February, Hershko won Israel’s second gold medal at the International Judo Championships in Tel Aviv.

She won the victory a day after that of her compatriot Sagi Muki, recipient of the first Grand Slam gold medal for Israel.

In the 78kg category, Hershko won silver at the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in June and won bronze at the world championships in Qatar last May.

The Times of Israel staff contributed to this article.

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2023-07-16 08:29:18
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