Israel Celebrates First Olympic Medal Since 2008 - Israel Today

Israel Celebrates First Olympic Medal Since 2008

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 |  Israel Today Staff

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Israeli judoka Yarden Gerbi on Tuesday became the first Israeli to win an Olympic medal since the 2008 games in Beijing.

Gerbi claimed the bronze medal for her weight class, becoming the fourth Israeli ever to win an Olympic medal in judo.

She spoke to Army Radio on Wednesday about what it’s like to represent a small and passionate nation like Israel.

“Ever since I won the [judo] world championship [3 years ago] people have come over to talk to me on the street,” said Gerbi. “But take the French, for example. They have someone who just won the silver medal here, but they don’t know her at all, they don’t appreciate it. We are a special people, one that supports and appreciates, because that’s just the way we are. When I win it’s like everybody won. I really am proud to represent Israel.”

Israel has a handful of other medal hopefuls still competing in the Rio games.

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