First medals of the games: Israeli judokas take home bronze and silver medals

Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik was awarded a bronze medal on Thursday after defeating the Swiss Daniel Eich in the bronze round of the men's 100kg judo competition. A short time later, Israeli Inbar Lanir lost to Italian Alice Bellandi in the women's 78kg final, putting her in second place and granting her the silver medal.

Lanir is the fifth Israeli female athlete to bring home an Olympic medal, with it being the 15th medal in Israel's history - the eighth in judo.

Paltchik was the first Israeli to medal in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and will be granted a prize of half a million shekel by the Sports Ministry.

This will be his second time on the podium after he did so in 2020 with his team in the group competition.

The bronze medalist, who celebrated his historic medal and Israel's 14th medal in Olympics history in tears while hugging his coach, stated: "I can't describe in words my feelings. I wanted to make everyone happy. I wanted my family to know that Dad's a hero, for everyone to be proud of me. That I fought for everyone. This is for our flag. Thanks for everything, for this moment. It is not a given.

"I couldn't give up for a second. Thank you to all those who bought tickets, to all those who came here. You were in my heart, soul, and all parts of my body, the great motivation, madness, and energy."

Peter dedicated his win to his coach, Oren Smadja, who lost his son, Omer, in battle in Gaza just over a month ago, "This is for Omer."

Smadja added: "This is a joyous moment, next to the great mourning. The country is going through trauma and this is the best PR."

President Isaac Herzog congratulated the Patchik, writing: "Peter Paltchik, you are a national pride! We are excited with you and with Oren Smadja, your amazing coach."

After Inbar Lanir won her silver won the silver medal, he added: "Inbar Lanir wins the Olympic judo silver medal! The people of Israel are proud of you and love you! Another huge and exciting achievement at the Paris Olympics. Go Israel!"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Israeli judokas: "Inbar, Peter - silver and bronze - you're gold. You fought like lions and brought us all a lot of honor. And to Oren Smadja - through the pain of the loss of Omer, you brought us great respect. The people of Israel love you and are proud of you - today and always."