Karem Primov Reaches World Judo Championship Final, Securing Medal

Israeli judoka Karem Primov, 21, has reached the final of the World Judo Championship, guaranteeing herself at least a silver medal. This marks the biggest achievement of her career to date. Primov's path to the final included a dramatic comeback in the round of 16, where she was close to elimination but ultimately won due to penalties against her opponent. Her performance on October 7th was described as an emotional achievement. In her initial bout, Primov faced Italy's Carlotta Avanzato, a bronze medalist at the recent European Championships. She then defeated Poland's Anzhelika Szymanska, ranked seventh in the world and the 2024 World Championship runner-up, who received her third penalty late in the match, allowing Primov to win despite trailing. In the quarterfinals, Primov faced Mongolia's Ankhzaya Battsogt, the world number two and a two-time World Championship bronze medalist. Primov secured an early lead with a 'waza-ari' and maintained it until the end for another significant victory. She also defeated Australia's Maeve Coughlan, ranked 43rd in the world, in the round of 16, securing a 'yuko' score and holding on for the win.