Israeli takes Judo bronze at Cuban Grand Prix
Gili Cohen defeats French Olympic bronze medalist in Cuba, edging closer to 2016 Olympic bid.
The Cuban Grand Prix witnessed the ongoing rise of Israeli Judoka Gili Cohen, who took home bronze after Friday's competitions, pushing her further along a path to the Olympics in Rio in 2016.
Ra'anana native Cohen, a competitor in the 52 kilogram and under weight class, began the competition in the second round when she prevailed over her Mexican opponent by an ippon (a full point in judo).
Cohen also performed well in the quarter-finals, winning by an ippon once again over her Irish opponent before losing the semi-final to the Olympic runner-up from London.
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In the fight for third, Cohen faced off against Priscilla Gneto,
the French Judoka who took the bronze during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gneto opened the fight solidly earning a yuko (a form of point), but Cohen struck back without hesitation and on her next move scored an ippon.
The strike took a mere 21 seconds of combat and assured Cohen the bronze medal.
