{
  "id": 14469622,
  "title": "Israeli judoka Hershko dedicates her bronze medal to soldier who fell on Oct. 7",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/israeli-judoka-hershko-dedicates-her-bronze-medal-to-soldier-who-fell",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T14:34:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-911696"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israeli judoka Raz Hershko, a top athlete for her nation, missed a key chance in 2025 as the 12-day war between Israel and Iran blocked her from flying to Budapest. She also withdrew from the Tashkent Grand Slam earlier this year after the Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, instructed her team to leave Uzbekistan. However, nothing could stop her from reaching the podium this weekend at the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she secured a bronze medal.\n\n28-year-old Hershko broke down in tears after winning her bout, which earned her the bronze. She dedicated her win to IDF soldier Yonatan Gutin, who was killed during the October 7 massacre in 2023. Gutin, a 20-year-old officer, perished while trying to rescue civilians during the battle for Kibbutz Be'er Sheva. Judo had been a significant part of Gutin's life; he had been training in the sport for about 14 years and was part of Israel's cadet national team. Despite her accomplishment, Hershko admitted that she was disappointed to have won a bronze instead of her desired gold. She expressed that she was now ready to focus on future goals.\n\nHershko is considered one of the world's leading judokas and a prominent athlete in Israel. She won an individual silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a gold medal at the 2024 European Championships. Competing in the women's heavyweight division, her recent achievement arrived shortly after Israel commemorated the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, which continue to impact the country's public life and athletes competing abroad.\n\nHershko stated that \"everything has felt different since Oct. 7,\" and that she cannot \"disconnect\" herself from the Israeli reality. Prior to the attacks, she would enter competitions feeling immense pride in representing her country, but now, that pride is even stronger. She feels a deeper connection to the flag she wears and the larger purpose she represents. Despite her focus on the medal, Hershko plans to take two days off to rest before resuming training for her next competition. When asked how she maintains her hunger and focus after her numerous achievements, Hershko attributed her drive to her love for the sport and the challenges it presents. She emphasized that medals are significant moments, but it is the journey that truly shapes her as an athlete, and she is still eager to continue her journey.",
  "summary": "Hershko takes home a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, after a year of travel complications kept her from competing.",
  "key_points": [
    "Israeli judoka Raz Hershko dedicates bronze medal to fallen IDF soldier Yonatan Gutin.",
    "Hershko withdrew from Tashkent Grand Slam due to security concerns.",
    "Judo played significant role in Gutin's life, he was killed in October 7 massacre."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}