Israeli Judoka Gefen Primo Reaches Lausanne Grand Slam Final Securing First Medal in Five Months

Israeli judoka Gefen Primo advanced to the final of the Lausanne Grand Slam on August 28, 2026, guaranteeing her first medal in five months. Competing in the under-52 kg category, Primo defeated Poland's Kaleta by yuko in golden score, Germany's Sarah by ippon, Russia's Nugaba by ippon in the final seconds, and Spain's Toro Solar by yuko in golden score. In the final, she will face French judoka Blandine Pon.

Primo's last medal was a bronze at the Tbilisi Grand Slam five months ago. Other Israeli competitors included Yehonatan Wexler (under 60 kg), who won his first two matches but lost in the round of 16 to Brazilian Augusto by ippon. Ily Hayon (under 52 kg) was eliminated in the first round by Italy's Pinstrona, who scored an ippon despite Hayon's initial lead.

Tamna Nelson Levy (under 57 kg) started in the second round due to her ranking but lost to Russia's Irina Zueva in golden score after a tough match. Inbal Shemesh (under 57 kg) also began in the second round, winning her first match by ippon in golden score against Turkmenistan's Oranziazova but lost in the next round to Russia's Elkina by yuko in golden score.

Matan Kokuliev (under 66 kg) opened with a victory over Georgian Olympic silver medalist Vazha Margvelashvili by yuko and two waza-ari but was defeated in the second round by Korean Kim, who scored ippon in the final seconds. The competition continues tomorrow with Israeli judokas competing in middleweight categories.