|
Written by Ultimate Grappling Magazine |
Ronda Rousey made USA Judo history here in mid-October, becoming the first American ever to win two medals in Junior World Championship competition, which is on the heels of a gold medal at the 2004 Junior Worlds, USA Judo reported.
SANTA DOMINGO - Ronda Rousey (Santa Monica, Calif. / NYAC / 63kg) made USA Judo history here in mid-October, becoming the first American ever to win two medals in Junior World Championship competition, which is on the heels of a gold medal at the 2004 Junior Worlds, USA Judo reported.
The Athens Olympian quickly and easily defeated her first three opponents in a combined time of less than two and a half minutes - all by her trademark armbar with each match going quicker than the last.
In the first round, she scored an early yuko (quarter-point) before pulling Lauren Baverstock (GBR) into an armbar in one minute, five seconds. In the second round, she dominated early as well, armbarring Iroda Abdurahmanova (UZE) in 50 seconds.
In the quarter-finals, Rousey threw 2006 European Junior bronze medalist Ninette Kakonyi (HUN) for a yuko before putting her into an armbar for the win in 29 seconds.
After a break, Rousey advanced to her semifinal match against Aldama Onix Cortes (CUB).
One of the few athletes at Junior Worlds who hadn't been seen much on either the junior or senior circuits, Cortes quickly showed that she will be an athlete to watch in upcoming years as she threw Rousey for a koka (smallest score).
Rousey continued to attack and blocked a double-leg attempt by the Cuban, pulling her onto the mat to bring her into groundwork. Rousey landed on the mat forcefully, though, and an ippon was called for the Cuban who would go on to win gold.
"For the first three fights, Ronda was really in control and looked like she was unstoppable," said head coach Jhonny Prado (Coral Springs, Fla.) "When we saw the Cuban girl fighting, we knew it was going to be a good fight because Cubans are always tough, but we didn't know it would go like that."
A shocked Rousey returned to the mat shortly thereafter for her bronze medal match against Alice Schlesinger (ISR), a 2004 Junior World bronze medalist at 57kg.
"I got off the mat after the semi and actually really wanted to fight someone right away," Rousey said. "Sometimes you lose and you just want to pack up and go home, but I felt like fighting again. I'd definitely rather get back in there real quick while I'm still mad and motivated to win again."
Schlesinger upset Rousey's quest for a 2005 Senior World Medal just over a year ago in Cairo, but Rousey beat her decisively in their last match-up in the finals of the Belgium Ladies Open in February.
This time Rousey returned to true form, controlling the short match before pinning Schlesinger in just less than two minutes.
"It wasn't the prettiest judo all day, but I won at the end," Rousey said. "I pulled it together and got the win, so that's what really matters."
- USA Judo
|
