Raz Hershko Triumphs in Women +78 kg Judo Semifinal at Paris 2024

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Israel's Raz Hershko has advanced to the finals of the Women +78 kg Judo semifinal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The match took place on August 2, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, where Hershko faced off against Kayra Ozdemir from Turkey.

The semifinal bout was a showcase of tactical prowess, with Hershko dominating the competition from the start. With a bodyweight of 109.5 kg, she brought her A-game, executing a Sode-tsurikomi-goshi throw that earned her an impressive score of IPP just 14 seconds into the contest. This decisive movement not only highlighted her technical ability but also put her ahead in the match, setting the tone for the remainder of the bout.

The contest lasted a total of 15 seconds, culminating in Hershko's victory, while Ozdemir, weighing in at 115.0 kg and ranked 3rd in the world, was unable to register any points. Despite her best efforts, Ozdemir's attempts to counter Hershko’s aggressive strategy were thwarted, leading to her elimination from the competition with a final score of 0.

Hershko, who is ranked 2nd in the world and has previously claimed first place at the Antalya Grand Slam in 2021, expressed her excitement after the match, stating, "This victory means everything to me. I have worked so hard to get here, and I am ready for the finals!"

The referee for this high-stakes match was Mariano dos Santos from Brazil, ensuring fair play throughout the contest. With this victory, Hershko has positioned herself as a strong contender for the gold medal in the upcoming final match, where she will aim to continue her impressive run in the tournament.

Judo fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the final bout, as Hershko's journey in the Paris Olympics continues to inspire many. With her impressive technique and unwavering determination, she is poised to make history for Israel in judo.