Adlington Eliminated in the Opening Round

Sarah Adlington was in action on the final day of the individual judo competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Despite Adlington being one of the most experienced members of the British team, having made her senior championship debut back in 2009, this was her Olympic debut.

Adlington was drawn against eighth seed, and three time Olympian Nihel Cheikh Rouhou (TUN) in the opening round.

The contest started tentatively which resulted in both fighters being awarded a shido each for passivity.  Adlington later picked up another shido for passivity as Cheikh Rouhou was deemed to have been more offensive.

After picking up a second shido Adlington had to attack to avoid getting a third shido, but was caught with a waza-ari before Cheikh Rouhou transitioned into osaekomi for the decisive ippon score.

Speaking after the contest Adlington said:

“My initial feelings are of disappointment, I felt I was in the fight until I got caught, but that’s judo.

“I felt good going into the contest. I’ve done everything possible to get here in the best shape of my life, it’s just disappointing that it ended the way it did after all that hard work.

“The second shido changed the contest, she went more defensive, and I was more offensive. When I put in that attack, I got caught.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who has helped me to get to this position, it has not been an easy journey. I am sure, in time, I will look back and be proud of my achievement.”