London Olympics: Marti Malloy wins bronze medal in judo

LONDON — Marti Malloy, a journalism student at San Jose State and a first-time Olympian, emerged with a bronze medal in judo in the 57 kg (125.5 pounds) division in a major surprise.

She lost with seven seconds remaining in her semifinal match on Monday against Corina Caprioriu of Romania when Caprioriu hurled her to the mat for automatic winning ippon. About an hour and a half later, Malloy beat Giulia Quintavalle of Italy, the defending Olympic champion, securing the bronze when she was awarded an ippon, bringing on tears of joy.

The United States has yet to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.

Malloy had a tough road to even reach the semifinals. She drew No. 2-ranked Telma Monteiro of Portugal in the opening round and had lost to Montierio three times, previously.

Charmingly, Malloy calls hersef ‘“professional eater and 2012 Judo Olympian” on her Twitter account at @martidamus

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