Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir has guaranteed herself an Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Games. The 24-year-old athlete defeated Germany's Anna-Maria Wagner in the semifinal of the women's under-78kg weight class, securing her spot in the gold medal match.
Lanir began her Olympic campaign with a victory over Mongolia's Otgonbayaryn Khüslen in the round of 16. In the quarterfinal, Lanir showcased her dominance by defeating the Netherlands' Guusje Steenhuis with a lightning-fast ippon in just 23 seconds.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Israel's Olympic legacy. Lanir's medal will be the country's 14th overall Olympic medal and its seventh in judo, underscoring Israel's strength in the sport. Depending on the outcome of fellow judoka Peter Paltchik's bronze medal match, Lanir's performance could result in either Israel's first or second medal of the Paris Games.
The final match promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to Lanir's Olympic journey, as she aims to bring home Israel's first gold medal of these Games.
* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.