Karem Primu Wins Silver at World Judo Championships After Grueling Comeback
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli judoka Karem Primu, 21, won a silver medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku, her first senior world medal. The achievement follows a difficult two-year recovery from a knee injury. Primu's comeback was supported by her family and professional team, and the competition held special significance as it occurred on October 7th. The team is now focused on her continued development.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Karem Primu won a silver medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku.
- The 21-year-old judoka's medal is her first senior world title and Israel's first at the event.
- Primu returned to competition after a nearly two-year absence due to a serious knee injury.
- She was defeated in the final by Japan's world champion Haruka Kage.
- The competition took place on October 7th, adding special significance for the Israeli team.
- Primu's comeback was attributed to her determination, family, and professional support team.
Israeli judoka Karem Primu, 21, achieved the greatest accomplishment of her career by winning a silver medal and the title of world runner-up in the under-63 kg category at the World Judo Championships in Baku. This marks Primu's first senior world medal and the first for the Israeli delegation at the competition. Her achievement follows an exceptionally challenging journey, including a nearly two-year absence from the mat due to a complex knee injury requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
In her first competitive season since returning, Primu steadily rebuilt her confidence, overcoming higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She was ultimately defeated by Japan's Haruka Kage, the reigning world champion and a formidable force in the weight class. Primu's comeback to the top ranks of international judo has impressed the Israeli judo community, who have long recognized her unique fighting abilities and potential since her junior years.
Despite her strong performance, Primu was not initially expected to medal at the championships by the Israeli Judo Association's professional staff, partly due to her recent return from injury. However, she broke through both physical and mental barriers to secure a podium finish. Her successful return was attributed to her own determination, her family's support, and her professional team.
The professional staff described Primu's return from injury as a gradual, complex, and challenging process, noting that she rebuilt her self-confidence step by step through training and competitions. They highlighted her "super-athlete" character, her ability to perform under pressure, and her immense strength and fighting spirit, qualities she has demonstrated since her youth.
The competition's timing on October 7th held special significance for the team. Primu was aware of the date's importance and felt the weight of responsibility, aiming to inspire hope. The team expressed immense pride and excitement seeing the Israeli flag raised, emphasizing their sense of mission to represent Israel on the world stage, especially during times when showcasing the nation's strength and resilience is crucial.
Looking ahead, the professional team, led by national team leader Shani Hershko, is focused on Primu's continued progress. They are committed to providing her with the best possible conditions to realize her potential, aiming to maintain her recent upward trajectory.
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