Age: 29
Country: Israel
Weight category: -63kg
Achievements: 2013 world champion and Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist

Starting judo

Since my first judo training when I was six years old I fell in love with the sport, I remember I didn't go on school trips if it was the day of judo training.

Representing Israel

I love my country. I live here and I love the people. It's a unique and special place because of our history.

Judo is more than a sport

Since I started judo as a child I have realised the importance of values such as respect and honour and this is now what I am representing in judo.

Being a role model

I hope that when children watch me they feel they want to do judo and to know that dreams can come true with belief and hard work.

On making history as Israel's first female world champion

It's something nobody had previously achieved and I didn't realise that. I felt it when I arrived home in Israel, there were so many people at the airport to welcome me with so much love.

Judo in Israel

Judo is one of the most popular Olympic sports in Israel but of course it is not at the same level as football and basketball. However, now I feel that more people know me because of this result and more people will follow this great sport.

Judo's continued growth

The World Judo Tour has taken the sport to a higher level with a professional circuit like in tennis but as an athlete I treat all competitions the same and I come to win.

Like Yarden Gerbi on Facebook