Hours after the announcement that Olympic medalist Uri Sasson will enter a press conference in two days, at which he will announce that he is hanging up his suit, it appears that judoka will continue to play an important role in the industry in Israel.
Under the suggestion of the Judo Association and the Achievement Sports Unit, 31-year-old Sasson is expected to serve as a mentor to the next generation in judo, as the aura and past path can help the cadet team make the path much easier until they start competing in the seniors.
If that's not enough, we may still see Sasson at the upcoming Paris Olympics as a training opponent of Peter Placzyk (up to 100 kg), when at least three or three times a week, he will be a training partner.
The man who commented on the retirement in the post is the coach of the men's national team, Oren Samadja: "Uri Sasson, one of Israel's great judokas, has decided to end an impressive career and retire from judo. In Israeli sports.
The beginning, surprisingly, was not smooth, and things did not flow so well between us.
But over time, we got to know each other, and a very special relationship developed between us, of trust and appreciation, and understanding without words - and with that the achievements began to come.
Sasson and his coach Oren Samadja.
A not-so-smooth start continued into a marvelous career, Photo: Alan Shiver
One of the significant moments we went through together was my decision to move Uri into the 100+ weight category, a move that opened the way for him to become a leading and groundbreaking athlete in the world.
The achievements were not long in coming - including a silver medal in the first European Games in 2015, silver in the Masters, and silver in the Grand Slam Paris.
Uri's desire to win the Olympic medal was always on the table, and I believed wholeheartedly and with full confidence that he could do it.
The experience of the Rio 2016 Olympics was unforgettable - a strong and powerful day of battles, with a clear goal: an Olympic medal.
We both will not forget the heartbeat before the battle for the medal, when we are at the height of tension and stress.
"Uri had already lost to his Cuban opponent a few months before the Olympics, but with accurate battle management and clever execution, he wins the personal Olympic bronze medal, and takes his place in the Hall of Fame of Israeli sports."
"After the Rio Olympics, Uri was debating whether to continue for another term. An athlete's path is full of ups and downs, achievements and disappointments, cheers and doubts. ".
Uri, I really wanted you to continue for a third term, but I understand that you have reached a point from which you can not continue, I respect you for the decision and I am proud of you.
I give you a big hug, love you very much, very excited, and I am sure you will continue to succeed the day after in whatever you choose to do.
As I told you in a personal conversation, an athlete and a person like you should continue to contribute to Israeli sports. "
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