Judoka Inbal Shemesh Ready for World Championships After Weight Class Change

Israeli judoka Inbal Shemesh is set to compete in her sixth career adult World Championships in Baku, marking her first appearance in the under 57 kg weight class. She missed last year's championships due to a conflict with Iran that led to the closure of Israeli airspace, forcing her to turn back from the airport. Shemesh previously competed in the under 63 kg category but made the less common switch to a lighter class about six months ago. Her last medal was a silver at the Grand Slam in Tbilisi approximately seven months prior. Shemesh has positive memories of Baku, having won a gold medal there at the 2022 Grand Slam, and hopes to contend for a podium finish again.

Reflecting on the previous year's missed opportunity, Shemesh admitted that the situation was "cruel" but stated she had been suppressing the memory. "It was really, really cruel," she said, recalling being on her way to the airport. "But it's history now, it's passed and we move forward." She expressed a strong desire to compete this time, hoping "the Iranians will wait this time." She emphasized that while some aspects of sport are controllable, others are not, and she aims to perform her best in what she can control.

Shemesh feels prepared and excited for the World Championships in her new weight class, describing it as a "new category, new challenges, and it's a bit of changing the cards." While still learning her opponents and the nuances of the division, she believes she feels strong and ready. She hopes her experience from previous competitions will aid her in adjusting to the weight cut and different physical state, noting that she feels more in control now. Shemesh is eager to begin competing and aims to perform at 100%, with the goal of winning a medal.