Israeli Judoka Gefen Primo Aims for World Championship Podium in Baku

Israeli judoka Gefen Primo, a seasoned member of the national team, is set to compete in her seventh senior World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. Primo, currently ranked 11th globally in the under-52kg category, returns to the same venue where she made her World Championship debut in 2018 at age 17, finishing seventh. She is now aiming for a medal, a podium finish she has achieved before, including a bronze at the 2021 World Championships and a gold medal at the recent Grand Slam in Lausanne.

Primo expressed her intense desire to return to the World Championship podium, stating, "I really have no way to explain how much I want this. I wake up with it in the morning, go to sleep with it at night." She considers this a primary goal for the past two years, especially as it contributes to Olympic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. "This is a podium I have been on once, and it is not enough for me," she said.

Reflecting on past disappointments, Primo recalled challenges at recent championships, including a difficult experience during a conflict with Iran last year that affected her performance. She emphasized that while Grand Slams are important for accumulating points and medals, the World Championships represent the ultimate prize for which she is competing for the medal itself, not just points.

Primo feels she is arriving at the championships more prepared and confident, citing recent competitions that have boosted her self-assurance. She also acknowledged the significance of representing Israel during a sensitive period, noting that thoughts of national pride and the anthem, "Hatikva," are most prominent when reaching the final stages of the competition.