Israeli judoka Or Sasson likened his feelings after winning the bronze Olympic medal to "an eruption of a volcano".
"It all happened at the right time," he told Channel 10. "I am excited, I feel that I made a childhood dream come true, thanks to the people who stood there at my side. I'm so glad that I succeeded in bringing myself to the level of a fighter. I keep succeeding in breaking barriers and boundaries and I couldn't be happier."
"I'm proud of our country, happy for the entire Nation of Israel," he continued. "I still can't really comprehend the greatness of the accomplishment… I want to dedicate this medal to the entire People of Israel that encouraged and supported me, and knew how to send messages [of encouragement] even when I lost."
Sasson won a bronze medal friday in the Rio Olympics, after winning a consolation round in the men's 100 kilogram plus weight class.
Sasson defeated Cuban Alex Garcia Mendoza, shortly after losing a semifinal match to world champion Teddy Riner, who has been undefeated for six straight years.
Earlier this week, judoka Yarden Gerbi won a bronze medal after defeating Japan's Miku Tashiro in the women's Judo under 63 kg category.