Israeli Judo Champion Gili Refaeli Opens Up About Mental Hurdles and Olympic Dreams

Israeli judoka Gili Refaeli, a top contender in the under-52kg category, has spoken candidly about the mental challenges she has faced, alongside her pursuit of an Olympic medal. Refaeli, who holds numerous titles including a World Championship bronze and multiple Grand Slam golds, recently secured a gold medal at the Grand Slam in Lausanne after a period of less consistent results. She revealed that she battled "mental obstacles I didn't know" following her marriage, facing questions about her future in judo and potential family plans.

Refaeli emphasized her drive to prove herself, stating, "My drive is never to prove to others, but to prove to myself." She described a demanding training regimen, including an extended camp in Japan and numerous international training blocks, which required her to be away from home for long periods. Despite her preference for routine and home life, she managed to maintain focus and dedication, expressing pride in her ability to overcome these challenges.

She also discussed her unique approach to life, balancing her elite athletic career with her studies in psychology at Reichman University and her personal life. Refaeli feels that her "normalcy" and multifaceted interests, such as fashion and shopping, sometimes make it difficult to fit into the typical athlete stereotype, leading to challenges in securing sponsorships. She noted that some sponsors ended their relationships with her after her marriage, attributing this partly to her not fitting a specific "judo woman" mold.

Despite these difficulties, Refaeli is motivated by the prospect of an Olympic medal, which she calls the reason she continues competing. She also highlighted the strong support system she has, including her sister and fellow judoka, Kerem, and her boyfriend. Refaeli expressed gratitude for current sponsors like Pro Strauss and B-Cure Laser, whose belief in her provides significant strength. She is preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam in Budapest and the World Championships, viewing the Olympic qualification period as a marathon requiring consistent effort.