One of the most illustrious careers in Israeli sports history will officially come to an end in the coming days.
By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFFArik Ze'evi 370(photo credit: REUTERS)
One of the most illustrious careers in Israeli sports history will officially come to an end in the coming days, with judoka Arik Ze’evi set to announce his retirement.The 35-year-old won his fourth gold medal at the European Championships earlier this year, but his final memory from the mat will be a bitter one.Ze’evi, a bronze medalist from the Athens 2004 Olympics, was aiming to become the oldest ever winner of an Olympic judo medal in his fourth Games in London this summer, but he was defeated by Dimitri Peters after just 43 seconds of their first round bout.Nevertheless, he will be remembered as one of Israel’s all-time greats after taking his ninth total medal in the continental championships in April, while also winning a silver medal at the World Championships in 2001.