Raz Hershko made Israel proud, claiming her second European title and the only gold for her country at the European Judo Championships Seniors 2026 Tbilisi, and she needed less than a minute to overcome Lea Fontaine of France in the final.
“Wow, I’m speechless,” the 2023 World silver medalilst said. “I have no words, I’m very excited to win for the second time because now maybe it’s not only luck. It’s five times in a row that I get into the final at the European championships and this time I finished with another gold,” she continued.
“It’s giving me a lot of motivation, a lot of feedback that what I do is good and I need to continue to work hard and be strong. My goal is to be the best in the World.”
Winning the final so convincingly definitely was Hershko’s highlight of a successful day.
“I knew what I needed to do and I go forward, I go strong, I try to do my best and it happened so fast. That’s another bonus for me and I’m very happy. Lea [Fontaine] is a very strong opponent, we fought a lot of times and it’s the first time it’s finished so fast.”
Winning Israel’s only gold medal in Tbilisi was very meaningful for Hershko.
“It means a lot for me to win a gold, to hear the anthem,” the 27-year-old judoka shared. “It’s very emotional. I’m very excited. I fight for my nation, for my people, and for myself. I just give the heart on the tatami for them.”
This victory give Hershko more confidence for what comes next. “I take that I can do everything if I believe in myself and work hard,” she said.
Author: Tatjana Flade