Yarden Gerbi
An Israeli judo champion whose Olympic bronze medal in Rio was a moment of national pride and personal triumph.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Israeli judoka·Birthday: July 8·Millennials
Biography
Yarden Gerbi grew up in Netanya, Israel, and began practicing judo at the age of six. Her path was marked by a fierce competitive spirit and a dedication that saw her rise through the international ranks. Gerbi's breakthrough came in 2013 when she secured the world championship title in Rio de Janeiro, a victory that announced her as a force in the women's 63 kg division. The pinnacle of her career arrived at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the same city, where she fought her way to a bronze medal, a result that sparked celebrations across Israel. Her victory was more than a personal achievement; it was a symbol of resilience for her country. After retiring from competition, she shifted her focus to mentoring young athletes and business ventures, embodying the discipline she honed on the tatami.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Yarden was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yarden Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Yarden's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal at the 2013 World Judo Championships in the women's 63 kg division.
- Earned a bronze medal for Israel at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Captured multiple European Championship medals throughout her competitive career.
Did You Know?
She served in the Israel Defense Forces as a sports instructor.
Gerbi is a certified lawyer, having earned her degree after retiring from judo.
She was the first Israeli woman to win a World Judo Championship title.
Her Olympic bronze medal was Israel's first in judo since 2004.
“I knew I had to win a medal, not just for me, but for the whole country.”
