Guadalajara Grand Prix 2025MEXICO Mexico

+78 kg: Hershko Dominates Again to Claim Gold

Oct 20, 2025
by: Nicolas Messner
Tamara Kulumbegashvili
The +78 kg preliminaries unfolded just as expected with Raz Hershko (ISR) and Helena Vukovic (CRO) powering through their respective halves of the draw. Both displayed strength and precision, setting up a heavyweight final worthy of their reputations, a battle between two judoka whose control and technical mastery have defined their campaigns.
Final, Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Helena Vukovic (CRO).
Final, Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Helena Vukovic (CRO).

Final

Raz Hershko (ISR) vs Helena Vukovic (CRO)

It took only a few seconds for Raz Hershko to throw Helena Vukovic cleanly for ippon. Two Pan-American appearances and two gold medals, the Israeli judoka once again proves herself as one of the most reliable forces in the heavyweight category. This marks her 20th World Judo Tour medal, in addition to her Olympic honours in both individual and team events.

Gold medallist, Raz Hershko (ISR).
Gold medallist, Raz Hershko (ISR).

Bronze Medal Contests

Karen Leon (VEN) vs Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR)

With two strong yuko scores, Karen Leon secured the bronze medal, the second of her career, as Mishiner was unable to match her opponent’s pace or precision.

Bronze Medal Contests, Karen Leon (VEN) vs Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR).
Bronze Medal Contests, Karen Leon (VEN) vs Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR).

Gusmary Garcia Savigne (USA) vs Giovanna Santos (BRA)

The second bronze medal contest ended in favour of Giovanna Santos, who maintained technical and tactical control throughout to earn a well-deserved victory.

Bronze Medal Contests, Gusmary Garcia Savigne (USA) vs Giovanna Santos (BRA).
Bronze Medal Contests, Gusmary Garcia Savigne (USA) vs Giovanna Santos (BRA).
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Dr Lilian Estrada, President of the Judo Federation of Mexico, and Mrs Verónica Gonzales, General Secretary of the Judo Federation of Mexico.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Dr Lilian Estrada, President of the Judo Federation of Mexico, and Mrs Verónica Gonzales, General Secretary of the Judo Federation of Mexico.

Competition Results

+78 kg

Final

Raz HERSHKO
ISR
vs
Helena VUKOVIC
CRO

Bronze Medal Contests

Karen LEON
VEN
vs
Yuli Alma MISHINER
ISR
Gusmary GARCIA SAVIGNE
USA
vs
Giovanna SANTOS
BRA
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