Gefen Primo Advances to Lausanne Grand Slam Judo Final, Secures First Medal in Five Months

Israeli judoka Gefen Primo reached 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 before advancing to face France's Blandine Pon in the final.

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 Brazil's Augusto by ippon. Ili Hayun (under 52 kg) was eliminated in the first round by Italy's Pinstrona, who scored an ippon despite Hayun leading.

Tamna Nelson Levi (under 57 kg) lost in the second round to Russia's Irina Zueva in golden score after a tough match. Inbal Shemesh (under 57 kg) advanced to the third round by defeating Turkmenistan's Oranziazova with an ippon in golden score but then lost to Russia's Elkina by yuko in golden score. Matan Kokuliev (under 66 kg) opened with a win over Georgian Olympic silver medalist Vazha Margvelashvili but was defeated in the second round by Korean Kim, who scored an ippon in the final seconds.

The competition continues with more Israeli judokas competing in middleweight categories the following day.