For Nelson-Levy, this marked a return to the very highest level. Her only grand slam victory had come in 2021, on home soil in Tel Aviv and after a quieter period, this performance signals a strong resurgence.
Standing opposite her was her teammate Inbal Shemesh, already a two-time grand slam winner in 2022 bit at -63 kg. Their head-to-head would not only decide the gold medal but also establish the hierarchy within the Israeli team
An intense final had been expected but in reality there was little suspense. After a brief feeling-out phase, Nelson-Levy demonstrated both power and timing, throwing her teammate with a strong ko-soto-gake for victory.
In the first bronze medal contest, Martha Fawaz (FRA) faced Acelya Toprak (GBR), both having delivered consistent performances throughout the morning session. It was not an easy contest for Fawaz, who eventually secured victory with a yuko from a seoi-otoshi, despite relentless pressure from Toprak until the final seconds.
Local hopes rested on Nino Loladze (GEO), who faced Pihla Salonen (FIN) in the second bronze medal contest. Loladze took an early lead with a yuko, raising the crowd’s expectations but Salonen responded with a well-executed kata-guruma for waza-ari. Moments later, she sealed the contest with a powerful counter for ippon, silencing the home crowd and securing her first grand slam medal.
Final (-57 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-57 kg)
