The prestigious Judo Masters tournament will open next week in Jerusalem with the 36 best athletes in each weight, when the Israeli delegation will try to take advantage of the home advantage and get on the podium.
The one who hopes to do this is Raz Hershko, who competes in the weight category of over 78 kg: "This is the last competition that sums up the year, at the level of the world championship, maybe more.
I come as prepared as possible, after a training camp in Japan.
"When it's in Israel it's even more exciting and the joy is doubled, and the pressure rises, but I know that I have the most supportive audience and the people behind me and I will do everything possible to be in first place on the podium."
Hershko added: "We in the women's team are like one big family, everyone for everyone, lifting everyone up. Those who succeed, bring the drive to others."
Mookie.
Waiting for the best athletes in the world, photo: Oren Aharoni
Judoka Sagi Muki (up to 81 kg) said: "It's fun to see all the best athletes in the world come here to compete, for me personally it's very gratifying that they manage to bring such events here.
"As in the previous events that were here, the Israeli crowd knows how to lift us as high as possible, while on the other hand we saw athletes who freeze and give in to the pressure. You have to know how to take the whole drive up, because there are no athletes we don't know - you have to arrive focused."
Primo.
The parents will support from the stands, photo: Oren Aharoni
Gefen Primo (up to 52 kg) said: "A very important competition, in which I have not yet won a medal and it brings a lot of points and the goal is a podium.
There are many good competitors in weight and each one on a given day can make it her day.
We are preparing for it and those who work hard have to prove themselves."
About the competition in Israel she added: "I always compete abroad and the parents can't come, now it's an opportunity for parents, friends and sponsors to encourage and experience it up close with us."
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