London 2012 Olympics: Gemma Gibbons elated at unexpected judo medal win

 
3 August 2012

Triumphant judoka Gemma Gibbons has described her elation at going from underdog to Olympiad – and hit back at the judo chief who doubted her.

Silver medallist Gibbons had only been ranked 42 in her division, weighed almost 5kg less than her competitors and had never won at a major international event.

The 25-year-old said: “I was a big underdog coming into this competition. I have not really fought at this weight category and I knew I had nothing to lose.

“I knew I was not a good bet for a lot of people but I am just really happy that I have proven that I am capable.

“I have always thought it but I have not always had the results to date to back that up.”

Her victory was particularly satisfying after last month British Judo chief Densign White accused his squad of squandering their talent through a lack of dedication.

“[His comments] did not add fuel to my fire,” she said. “I was very disappointed by it as were my whole team and the rest of the players.

“Especially in the middle of an Olympic Games when half the team have not even performed yet.’’

Competing in the 70kg class after failing to qualify for her preferred 78kg category, Gibbons powered her way to silver disposing of Yahima Ramirez and Lkhamdegd Purevjargal of Mongolia to reach the semi-final at the ExCeL Arena.

She then defeated French world champion Audrey Tcheumeo with an ippon in the sudden death golden score period, before being defeated in the final by Ameican Kayla Harrison.

She scooped Britain’s first Olympic judo medal for 12 years and was watched by prime minister David Cameron.

Gibbon said: “I did not think I would get a medal but I knew it was possible otherwise I would not have been training full time.”

Her mother, Jeanette, introduced her to the sport when she was six. After she tragically died in 2004 from leukaemia, Jeanette continued to serve as an inspiration to the athlete. Speaking after her podium appearance, Gibbons, who spent six months out of the sport after surgery on her shoulder, said: "It does not quite feel real at the moment."

She added: "It has been difficult to get here, but it is not easy for any athlete. When you are training as hard as you can but not getting results in competitions, you do think, what do I have to do? Deep within, though, I always knew I could do something special, and that is what drives you on."

As she won her quarter-final yesterday, Gibbons said: "I love you mum." And she wept with joy and mouthed the word "mum" as she went through to the final.

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