Israeli Judoka Raz Hershko Aims for World Championship Podium Amid Personal Dreams

Israeli judoka Raz Hershko is set to compete in the World Championships in Baku on Saturday, aiming to conclude a challenging week for Israel on the podium. Hershko, currently ranked world number one in the +78kg category, has had a highly successful year, securing gold medals at the European Championships, Tbilisi Grand Slam, Budapest Grand Slam, and Austrian Grand Prix. She described her preparation as very good, despite a long year with many ups and downs, emphasizing that she learned from every experience and grew stronger mentally and personally. Hershko acknowledged the disappointment of missing last year's World Championships due to security events, and a similar cancellation at the Tashkent Grand Slam, but stated she has learned to focus on what she can control: her training and preparation. She revealed her ultimate professional dreams are to become an Olympic champion and a world champion, goals she eagerly anticipates achieving. Hershko embraces the high expectations placed upon her, viewing them as a sign she is on the right track, and strives to give her best performance in every match, regardless of the outcome. She is prepared for tough competition, noting the increasing depth in her weight class with many young athletes emerging globally, and is ready to face any challenge, including rivals she has not yet defeated.