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First Gold for Japan - London Olympics

First One For Japan

Japan, finally took their first gold medal of the Judo through Kaori Matsumoto in the -57kgs. After a terrible performance four years ago in Beijing, where Russia didn’t take a single medal, they now top the medal table here in London after three days of judo. It is remarkable to see how far Russia have progressed, and there is a realistic chance of them taking another gold medal by the end of the tournament and staying above the chasing pack.
The favourites to top the table would certainly have been Japan, until yesterday that was, when after two days of judo they had still not taken a gold medal. Japan are undoubtedly stronger in the lighter categories than the heavier categories, and after the shock result of Tomoko Fukumi losing in the first day, having struggled to recover.

But finally on day three they found their saviour in Matsumoto, who fought off all the expectation of being clear favourite in the -57kgs and the weight of an entire nation on her shoulders, to come away with the one title she so desperately craved.

As a result Japan are close behind Russia with one gold medal and two silvers. Their second silver medal came through Riki Nakaya who lost out to Isaev in the -73kg final.

Final Results – 57 Kg.

1. MATSUMOTO, Kaori (JPN)
2. CAPRIORIU, Corina (ROU)
3. MALLOY, Marti (USA)
3. PAVIA, Automne (FRA)
5. KARAKAS, Hedvig (HUN)
5. QUINTAVALLE, Giulia (ITA)
7. FILZMOSER, Sabrina (AUT)
7. ZABLUDINA, Irina (RUS)

Final Results – 73 Kg.

1. ISAEV, Mansur (RUS)
2. NAKAYA, Riki (JPN)
3. LEGRAND, Ugo (FRA)
3. SAINJARGAL, Nyam-Ochir (MGL)
5. ELMONT, Dex (NED)
5. WANG, Ki-Chun (KOR)
7. BOQIEV, Rasul (TJK)
7. DELPOPOLO, Nicholas (USA)

Courtesy:
IJF Media & Communication Department


 

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