Israel judo coach Oren Smadja resigns after 15 years

Israel judo coach Oren Smadja resigns after 15 years

"Precisely because judo is part of my soul, I can no longer, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that’s it, I’m giving up and submitting my resignation," Smadja said on social media.

Earthquake in Israeli judo: Oren Smadja resigns as national team coach

After 15 years, Olympic medalist is stepping down; reason, he says, is disparaging treatment from the sport's senior leaders; 'I endured years of mistreatment to protect the athletes, but today I say enough'

Oren Smadja resigns as Israel’s men’s Judo Coach

In a dramatic and emotional move that has sent shockwaves through the Israeli judo community, Oren Smadja, the longtime coach of the national men’s team and one of the country’s most celebrated judokas, announced his resignation just days after lighting a ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.

After 15 years, the veteran coach and Olympic medalist announced that he would leave following a disagreement: “I am worried about the future of Israeli judo and felt I had no choice but to sacrifice myself for the future of the industry” • The Judo Association said: “Oren was and always will be a central part of the glorious heritage of Israeli judo”