She’s there

And she’s done it. Gemma has made it to the final with a superb ippon throw in the Golden Score contest beating Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA) who is ranked at number 3 in the world

Everywhere I look, I can see tears in the eyes of the GB team.
After the comments made this week by our current chairman about lack of commitment, I think that shows a clear two fingered salute to the outgoing chairman.

Gemma may not yet realise it but she has just saved so many jobs with that one throw; irrespective of the outcome of the final.

She is in the ‘back of house’ area at the moment with a beaming smile. Today is a day to remember for British Judo and I’m here to tell the tale.

Now, I’ve handed over my paperwork so I’m going to find a seat in with the athletes to watch the final unfold

Gemma gets her position in the semi- finals

I dont think anyone really expected this but Gemma has just won her third contest to secure her place in the Semi-Finals

Get in

The Medal Ceremony

Not being content with just one, I found all four.

We weren’t allowed to touch them – but here are the pics

(am still hoping to hold at least one)

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The upsets continue

One of the bookies hit favourite was Ilias Iliadis (GRE) in the men’s -90kg category. Hardly surprising as he was Olympic Gold medalist in 2004 in the -81kg category.

What a surprise then that Kirill Denisov (RUS) beat him by a Yuko score in his second contest to secure himself a place in the semi-final. He will face Ye-Sui Hwang (KOR) who surprised many of us back stage with the sheer amount of bandaging he applied to both legs; I don’t think I have ever seen someone constantly rolling tape around their legs like that before.

As the women’s repechage contests get underway, it’s hard to pick a clear favourite. However, with two judoka in the semi-finals, Korea’s medal tally will increase quite a bit.
They are, at the time of writing this, in fifth place. If they can get 2 gold medals, they’d leap to 3rd place behind
China and USA.
TeamGB are currently 14th (1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze)

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And a waza-ari ….

sends Sally home.
This is not a good week for British Judo

A Yuko sees Winston out

But what a close match

And Sally backs it up

Sally pulls off a win as well. Our fourth victory now

Winston Starts Well

With a superb ippon. He now meets Kirill Denisov (RUS) in the next round

Olympic Uniform

OK, it’s time for a whine

When we collected our uniform, they gave us quite a few items – including our accreditation. Now, as I’m working at both games, there are quite a few shifts to cover.

I don’t mind getting 1 coat and 2 pairs of trousers but why only 2 pairs of socks. I mean seriously, I am having to hand wash them on a bi-daily basis and, as for most of my day, I am stood on the mat with no shoes, my socks are picking up everything.
I did ask my team leader to see if she could get more but the powers that be say no.

I’m due to go back to UDAC later in August to collect my Paralympic conversion kit and am going to take the socks with me. I’ll beg for some more.

Team Photo

We have had a few photos taken throughout the week.
Here’s just a few

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