A gold medal at the 2013 World Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro marked a historical first for an Israeli athlete. Yarden Gerbi defeated five consecutive opponents in the 63 kg category, securing the top podium spot through ippons in every match. This performance established her as a preeminent figure in international martial arts competition.
Early Development and Competitive Rise
Born in Kfar Saba in 1989, Gerbi began training at age six and developed under the guidance of Shany Hershko, the former coach of the Israeli women's national judo team, at the Meditav Netanya club. Her domestic dominance became evident early, as she claimed five Israeli national championships before turning 24. Her international progression included a silver medal at the 2009 Maccabiah Games and steady improvements across various World Cup and Grand Prix circuits, culminating in a world ranking of number one by May 2013.
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In 2013, Gerbi reached the pinnacle of her discipline at the World Championships in Brazil. She forced a victory in the final against Clarisse Agbegnenou of France by executing a chokehold that ended the match in 43 seconds. Following this win, she was recognized as the Israeli Sports Personality of the Year by The Jerusalem Post. She continued her elite form in 2014, securing a silver medal at the World Championships in Chelyabinsk, and earned further podium finishes at the 2015 European Games and multiple Grand Slam events.
Olympic Success and Retirement
At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Gerbi competed in the women's 63 kg category. Despite a quarter-final loss to Mariana Silva, she navigated the repechage rounds to secure a bronze medal for Israel. She participated in the 2017 Maccabiah Games torch lighting ceremony and announced her formal retirement from professional judo on 2 October 2017. Her academic background includes studies in Economics and Management at the Open University of Israel.
Post-Athletic Career
Following her departure from competitive judo, Gerbi shifted into media and entertainment roles within Israel. She appeared as a contestant on the third VIP season of the reality series Survivor in 2020, where she finished in third place. She transitioned into a hosting role for the television production Ninja Israel on Channel 12 in 2021. In 2024, she participated as a competitor in the tenth season of the Israeli dance program Rokdim Im Kokhavim.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sport: Judo (63 kg category)
- 2013 World Gold Medalist: Rio de Janeiro
- 2016 Olympic Medal: Bronze
- Education: Open University of Israel
- Media work: Ninja Israel host
- Retirement: 2 October 2017
Questions readers ask
What is Yarden Gerbi's primary judo accomplishment?
She was the first Israeli to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships, achieving this in the 63 kg category in 2013.
Did Yarden Gerbi win an Olympic medal?
Yes, she won a bronze medal for Israel at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Achievements
- Competed at judo at the 2016 Summer Olympics – women's 63 kg, 2013 World Judo Championships – women's 63 kg and 2014 World Judo Championships – women's 63 kg
- Discipline: judo
