Yarden Gerbi Biography: Husband, Olympics, Height, Ethnicity, Children, Age, Olympic Medals, Net Worth

Yarden Gerbi, is a retired Israeli judoka, who captured global attention as the 2013 World Judo Champion in the women’s -63 kg category—the first Israeli to claim a world title—and earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

She dominated with multiple Grand Slam and Grand Prix victories, European medals, and eight Israeli national championships, becoming a trailblazer for women’s judo in Israel and an inspiration through her technical prowess and resilience on the international stage.

Profile

• Full Name: Yarden Gerbi
• Stage Name: Yarden Gerbi
• Born: 8 July 1989
• Age: 36 years old
• Birthplace: Kfar Saba, Israel
• Nationality: Israeli
• Occupation: Former Judoka
• Height: 1.69m
• Parents: Nurit Gerbi and Shmulik Gerbi
• Siblings: Unknown
• Partner: Adi Ambar
• Children: None
• Relationship: Engaged
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Yarden Gerbi was born on July 8, 1989, in Kfar Saba, Israel, to Nurit and Shmulik Gerbi of Tunisian-Jewish descent from Djerba. Details about siblings remain undisclosed.

Gerbi discovered judo at age 6 while attending ballet class and immediately fell in love with the sport, training consistently under coach Shany Hershko from childhood.

She studied economics and management at the Open University of Israel. She embraces Tunisian-Jewish heritage with private details on her religious beliefs.

Career

Yarden Gerbi began her career at age 6, training with coach Shany Hershko and quickly rising through youth ranks with early national success.

She claimed her first Israeli championship in 2007 and earned junior international medals, including bronze at the 2008 European Junior Championships.

Gerbi gained initial recognition with senior podiums in World Cups and Grand Prix events starting in 2009, building a reputation for aggressive throws and ground control.

She competed steadily on the IJF circuit, securing consistent results that elevated her world ranking.

Gerbi achieved her breakthrough in 2013, winning Grand Slams in Baku and Moscow before capturing gold at the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, defeating top opponents like Clarisse Agbegnenou to become Israel’s first world judo champion.

She followed with silver at the 2014 Worlds, multiple Grand Slam triumphs, and European bronze medals in 2012 and 2013.

Gerbi peaked at the 2016 Rio Olympics, rebounding from a quarterfinal loss to win bronze through repechage, sharing the podium and delivering Israel’s first Olympic judo medal by a woman since 1992. She added Grand Prix wins and maintained top contention.

Yarden Gerbi retired in 2017 after a decorated career spanning over two decades. Her world title and Olympic bronze elevated Israeli judo internationally while inspiring young athletes.

Gerbi transitioned to motivational speaking, sharing insights on resilience and excellence.

She promotes youth judo development and embodies perseverance through high-profile achievements.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @yardengerbi
• Facebook Handle: gerbijudo
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Yarden Gerbi came out as gay in 2022 during a relationship with photographer Dana Lavi, which ended the following year.

She began dating Adi Ambar in 2023, and the couple announced their engagement in April 2024 after moving in together in Tel Aviv. She has no children.

Gerbi competes on reality TV like Survivor, delivers lectures on empowerment, and enjoys a balanced lifestyle focused on family, advocacy, and post-athletic ventures.

Filmography

• World Judo Championships -63 kg (2013)
• World Judo Championships -63 kg (2014)
• European Judo Championships -63 kg (2012)
• European Judo Championships -63 kg (2013)
• Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro -63 kg (2016)

Net Worth

Yarden Gerbi has an estimated net worth of $2 million. She built her fortune primarily through prize money from world and Olympic medals, sponsorships during her competitive years, and endorsements as a national champion.

Income also flows from motivational lectures, media appearances, reality TV participation, and business mentoring.