Raz Hershko Returns With Bronze Medal From World Championships

Israeli judoka Raz Hershko landed in Israel on Sunday, having secured a bronze medal at the World Championships in Baku after defeating Croatia's Helena Vukovic. Hershko described the medal as a significant achievement, especially as her second individual medal at a world championship. "It's not a given to win a medal at a world championship," she stated upon arrival. She expressed a feeling that she could have performed better, even aiming for the gold medal, but emphasized the importance of securing a medal under the circumstances.

Hershko reflected on the past week, noting the difficulty of being abroad during the events of October 7th. She explained that the experience fueled her determination to give more and fight harder, seeing it as a great source of pride to compete for her country. "Fighting until the end for the country is the biggest pride I have," she said, adding that she feels she has not yet reached her full potential and is eager to achieve more, including the titles of world, European, and Olympic champion.

This bronze marks Hershko's third medal at the World Championships and second in an individual competition. Competing in the open weight category (over 78 kg), she began with a swift victory over Taiwan's Ling-Fang Chang via an ippon. She later overcame Estonia's Emma-Liis Ektot in the third round with a golden score win. Her coach is Shani Hershko.

The past year presented Hershko with additional challenges, including an evacuation from Tashkent due to Operation "Lion's Mane" and missing a competition day. Despite these hurdles, she achieved notable successes, including a gold medal at the Grand Prix Austria in March. Later that month, she made history by winning gold at the European Championships, becoming the first Israeli judoka to win the European title more than once, following in the footsteps of past medalists Arik Ze'ev and Sagi Muki.