News Brief Israel takes bronze at Olympics on Saturday in team judo

Israel took a bronze medal in the team judo competition, a consolation after a disappointing showing in Tokyo for a sport in which Israel was expected to achieve better results.

The team, comprised of Gili Sharir, Sagi Muki, Raz Hershko and Peter Paltchik, battled Russia for a medal.

“Everyone here gave their heart and soul, and together we did it,” Muki said. “Everyone had a week that was very disappointing on a personal level, but something about this special day led to everyone giving a little more for the team, and that’s what made the difference. We were eulogized too soon.”

The only other Israeli medal so far was a bronze won by Avishag Semberg in taekwondo early last week.