Rousey is first American women to earn medal at World Championships since 1995 
By Nicole Jumantas~ USA Judo

(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – Ronda Rousey from Wakefield, Mass. lived up to everyone’s expectations on September 14th, when she won the silver medal at the World Championships in the 70kg division and became the first American woman to medal at a Worlds since 1995.

Photo courtesy of USA Judo
Rousey wins Silver Medal

After moving up from 63kg earlier this year, Rousey’s day included wins over the #3-ranked player in the world, an Olympic medalist and the reigning World Champion.

“I’ve always had this in mind ever since I was kid. My mother won Worlds in 1984 and that’s always been my goal, so I’m a little disappointed not to have won, but I’m happy to have medaled for the first time,” Rousey said. “A lot of people didn’t expect me to [medal] because I just moved up from 63kg so I’m happy with that.”

Photo courtesy of USA Judo
Rousey (white) vs. Gevrise Emane (blue).

Rousey won her first three preliminary matches to advance to the semifinal against reigning World Champion Edith Bosch (NED).
Rousey previously beat Bosch at the German Open last month, but found herself behind in this match when Bosch threw her for a yuko (quarter-point) with a harai goshi (hip throw). Bosch was given a penalty for stalling in the last two minutes and Rousey increased her attacks, ultimately throwing her for ippon with a reverse sode (sleeve throw).

In the final match, 2005 World silver medalist Gevrise Emane (FRA) threw Rousey for two yukos with the referees giving the second to Rousey first before taking it away and giving it to Emane. In the final minute, Emane received a penalty for stalling. With seven seconds remaining, Emane ran from Rousey and received a second penalty to give Rousey a yuko score, but she lost the match two yukos to one.

FREE Bodybuilding.com Gym Bag with purchase of $150 or more! Carry all your workout essentials!