Already Olympic and World bronze medallist, Laura FAZLIU (KOS) went on to add yet another bronze to her impressive collection. It was a very tough day and one small mistake in the quarter final cost Fazliu her road to gold but she wasn’t prepared to leave without a medal.
Of course it wasn’t the medal I was coming for, but I am still happy to have won the bronze today.
For bronze she face Nuana SILVA (BRA) and looked confident against her, treating the contest in a methodical manner. Then she found her moment. Asking her how she felt about her wonderfully wheeling sasae tsuri komi ashi, she smiled to herself,
I felt great, I know that when I get this grip and I am in this position, I am going to throw someone and score!
It has been a tremendous year for Fazliu, two world medals and of course her Olympic achievement in Paris, but what does it mean to her?
I am proud to be part of the team, and to be a medallist on this team because everyone knows that Kosovo produces great judo. To be able to take my big medals, it makes me really happy.
More on Olympic and World Champion, Majlinda KELMENDI,
Majlinda is a great person on and off the tatami, she has helped me so much and been with me through so many difficulties, not just in judo but in my outside life too. The best advice she gives me is to train harder!
With this she laughed further, knowing that without this simple but effective advice, she might not be standing where she is today.
Author: Thea Cowen