US Grabs Judo Milestone

Kayla Harrison wins nation's first gold in the sport

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 2, 2012 11:43 AM CDT

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US Grabs Judo Milestone — Kayla Harrison of the US (in white) competes against Gemma Gibbons of Great Britain for the gold medal during the women's 78-kg judo competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Aug. 2, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

For the first time in Olympic history, the United States has taken home a gold medal in judo. Kayla Harrison won the top spot in the 78-kilogram division today, the AP reports. She defeated Britain's Gemma Gibbons, who won silver, throwing her twice in the final. Harrison, a former world champ, had been in excellent form throughout her matches, finishing one in less than a minute. The US also took home a bronze in judo, when Marti Malloy medaled in the women's 57-kilogram division. (Read more Kayla Harrison stories.)

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