Israeli Olympic medalist announces shock retirement
Judo star Yarden Gerbi, who won a bronze medal at last's year Rio's Olympics, said she "no longer had the energy" to compete
Andrew Sherwood is the Jewish News Sport and Community Editor
Israeli Olympic medalist Yarden Gerbi has announced her retirement with immediate effect
The 28-year-old judoka won a bronze medal at last summer’s 2016 Rio Olympics, the same city where she won the world title in 2013.
Somewhat of a surprise given that Tel Aviv will be hosting the European Senior Championships next year, she told the press conference: “I would have loved to compete in Tel Aviv next year, but also I realise I need to train hard for that, and I can not find the energy for that.”
Also winning silver at the 2014 World Championships, as well as three European medals, she thanked her coaches, federation, friends and family for their support.
Her coach added, Shani Hershko, added: “You cannot do this half half, you must do it for the full 100 percent otherwise it doesn’t make sense.”
Admitting she’s not sure what the future holds, she said: “But if I have a goal, you can expect that I will do it for full 100 percent.”
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