Gerbi points to the Israeli flag, moments after winning the medal
Gerbi points to the Israeli flag, moments after winning the medalPhoto: Reuters

Yarden Gerbi, the Israeli Judo athlete who won a bronze medal, Israel's first, at the Rio Olympics yesterday (Tuesday), reflected on her achievement and the difficulties she encountered on the way.

Speaking with Army Radio, the 27-year-old Gerbi sounded ecstatic yet emotionally and physically drained.

"After what I've been through today, nothing is heavy," she remarked when asked if the medal is weighing on her neck.

"There were two very difficult moments today. The time just before the first fight is really difficult, because you know that if you lose you go home. The second moment was the loss in the quarterfinals. Picking yourself off the mat after a loss is... just really hard."

When asked how she did it, Gerbi replied "I just had to get some closure from my coach. I felt that I deserved to win that fight. When [my coach] told me I really should have won, and just was unlucky with the officiating, I was able to move on. Once I know I did my part, that's all that matters. I don't waste my time worrying about what the officials do."

The interviewer then asked Gerbi if she felt any awareness of the fact that the entire country back home in Israel was holding its breath watching her.

"Ever since I won the world championship [3 years ago] people have come over to talk to me on the street. But it's really always in a good way. I'm not sure how to explain this... say the French. They have someone who just won the silver medal here, but they don't know her at all, they don't appreciate it. We are a special people, one that supports and appreciates, because that's just the way we are. When I win it's like everybody won. I really am proud to represent Israel."

Speaking about what happens now going forward, Yarden confessed, "I'll tell you the truth, I'm desperate for a vacation. This whole time I've only been thinking Judo Judo Judo. I put my heart and soul into this, and I missed a lot of things with my family because I chose to put Judo on top of my list of priorities to earn this medal. But now I really deserve a vacation."

Gerbi's hunger may not have been completely satisfied, however. When the interviewer referred to her as an "Olympic champion", she made sure to correct him: "I'm not an Olympic champion, I'm a medalist."