Elizabeth Lisa Kovalev (17, up to 72 kg) from the Power Club Athlete in Rishon Lezion won the gold medal in the final of the World Junior Championships in Sambo, which was held today (Sunday) in Thessaloniki, Greece.
On her way to first place, Kovalev defeated four particularly strong competitors, and took the opportunity to hear "Hatikva" on the podium.
In the first battle, France defeated Leroy Clara, then defeated Melina Cannopolo of Greece, and in the semifinals, Kovalev managed to defeat Ukrainian Shimko Yana.
In the final battle, Kovalev defeated Russia 'Anastasia Konopleva.
Russia led 1-0, and in the last two seconds Lisa managed to knock down and win two important points - and also the gold medal.
Pavel Musin, Koblio's coach and professional director of the Israeli Sambo Association, said: "We are very pleased with the achievement, and our hearts are filled with pride.
Israel is already considered a leading country in Sambo.
I hope we will continue to bring more achievements and respect to the country with our wonderful athletes and team. "
Kovalev and her coach, Photo: Shai Geizinger
Arik Kaplan, president of the Eilat Association: "The Israeli sambo continues to develop and bring impressive achievements, and we are especially proud of Elizabeth's achievement and demonstration of her professional abilities at the World Championships. We thank all the team that accompanies the delegation, and we look forward to further successes in other industries."