Israeli Judo Champion Gili Cohen Overcomes Mental Hurdles, Eyes Olympic Medal

Israeli judoka Gili Cohen, a top contender in the under-52kg category, recently secured a gold medal at the Grand Slam in Lausanne, marking a significant return to the top podium after nearly six months. Cohen, who holds numerous international titles including a World Championship bronze and multiple European and Grand Slam medals, described the victory as particularly meaningful after facing "mental challenges I didn't know." These challenges included navigating personal life changes, such as her recent marriage, and the accompanying questions about future family plans versus her athletic career.

Cohen emphasized her drive to prove herself, stating, "My drive is never to prove to others, but to prove to myself." She also discussed the difficulties of balancing a demanding training schedule, including extended periods away from home for camps in Japan and abroad, with her desire for a stable home life. This balancing act, she explained, is part of her identity as a "normal" person who also pursues higher education, currently studying psychology at Reichman University, alongside her athletic pursuits.

Looking ahead, Cohen is preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam in Budapest and the World Championships next month. She is also focused on the qualification period for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, her ultimate goal being an Olympic medal. Cohen highlighted the significant upgrades in the Israeli national team's support system, including expanded coaching staff and personalized training plans, which she likens to a leap from "iPhone 1 to iPhone 18."

She also touched upon the challenges of securing sponsorships, noting that some sponsors ended their relationships after her marriage, which she attributes partly to not fitting a conventional "judo stigma." Despite these hurdles, Cohen expressed gratitude for current sponsors like Pro Strauss and B-Cure Laser, whose belief in her provides crucial support. Cohen also competes alongside her sister, Karem, finding immense strength and motivation in their shared journey.