Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026Georgia

-57 kg: A Statement Victory for Nelson-Levy

Mar 20, 2026
by: Nicolas Messner
Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili
There was room for many nations to shine in this category but in the end it was Israeli dominance that defined the day, as Timna Nelson-Levy (ISR) and Inbal Shemesh (ISR) both progressed to the final.
Final, Timna Nelson Levy (ISR) vs Inbal Shemesh (ISR).
Final, Timna Nelson Levy (ISR) vs Inbal Shemesh (ISR).

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.

Gold medallist, Timna Nelson Levy (ISR).
Gold medallist, Timna Nelson Levy (ISR).

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.

Bronze medal contest, Martha Fawaz (FRA) vs Acelya Toprak (GBR).
Bronze medal contest, Martha Fawaz (FRA) vs Acelya Toprak (GBR).

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.

Bronze medal contest, Nino Loladze (GEO) vs Pihla Salonen (FIN).
Bronze medal contest, Nino Loladze (GEO) vs Pihla Salonen (FIN).

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.

Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Michael Michaely, Chairman of CEDCO Hungary, and Mr Giorgi Atabegashvili, Vice-President of the Georgian Judo Federation.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mr Michael Michaely, Chairman of CEDCO Hungary, and Mr Giorgi Atabegashvili, Vice-President of the Georgian Judo Federation.

Competition Results

-57 kg

Final

Timna NELSON LEVY
ISR
vs
Inbal SHEMESH
ISR

Bronze Medal Contests

Martha FAWAZ
FRA
vs
Acelya TOPRAK
GBR
Nino LOLADZE
GEO
vs
Pihla SALONEN
FIN
Article image