Raz Hershko Reflects on World Championship Bronze and Missed Final

Israeli judo athlete Raz Hershko returned to Israel on Sunday, less than 24 hours after winning a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku. Upon arrival, Hershko shared her mixed feelings about the competition, expressing satisfaction with the bronze medal but also disappointment over not reaching the final.

"It's fresh. I am very pleased with the medal around my neck, a bronze medal at the World Championships is not a given," Hershko stated. She noted that this was her second individual medal at the World Championships, in addition to a team medal, calling three medals at the event an achievement not to be taken for granted. However, she admitted to feeling a sense of missed opportunity and disappointment after losing in the semifinals. "I felt that at the end of the day I could win, the preparation led there. Things didn't work out, it's not what I expected of myself," she said, adding that she was glad to be on the podium even on difficult days.

Hershko described her quarterfinal victory over Olympic champion Beatriz Souza as her best fight against the Brazilian, noting that she was convinced of her win. She felt this victory gave her momentum, but it did not carry over to the semifinal. "I will work hard on these mistakes. Nothing was released. It happens, judo," she commented.

Discussing the bronze medal match, Hershko acknowledged the pressure, stating, "The pressure acted the second I stepped off the stairs onto the mat. A fight for a medal at a world championship is a stressful and exciting moment." She explained that in close matches, especially those going to a golden score, understanding what is happening can be difficult. She knew her opponent well, having faced her five times before, and recognized that such a high-stakes match would be tough. "I'm glad that in the end I managed to throw and win," she concluded.

Reflecting on her emotional reaction after the semifinal loss, Hershko said, "There was disappointment and frustration that I didn't reach the final. I fell apart after the semi, I had to pull myself together with [coaches] שני הרשקו and עידו בר. The break inside, everything accumulated and burst out. I know I am worth gold, it's a bummer I couldn't express myself." She credited Ronald Kokuliev as a partner who helped her prepare for the championships. Hershko emphasized the need to stick to the game plan, not compromise, and learn from the competition's ups and downs, focusing on maintaining balance during difficult moments.