This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Heartbreak for Howell
July 28, 2021
It was a heart-breaking morning Gemma Howell as she was defeated in the opening round of her -70kg contest at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Drawn against the 2017 World Championship silver medallist Maria Perez (PUR), Howell entered the contest having defeated her Puerto Rico opponent on 4 of their previous 5 encounters.
There was nothing between the two fighters at the end of the regulated 4-minute contest. The fight entered Golden Score with Perez having amassed two penalty shidos to Howell’s one. However, as the contest entered its 9th minute, Howell was awarded a 3rd shido which handed victory, and a place I the second round, to Perez.
Speaking after the contest, a distraught Howell said:
“I felt as prepared as I was ever going to be. I cannot fault the preparation; I ultimately did not perform on the day.
“I would have given anything to have been here 12 months ago, although I do not feel like that at the moment. I am sure when I look back in a week or so, I can be proud of what I have achieved in making my second Olympic Games.”
Talking about her support team back home:
“I have the best support team around me, everybody from my family and friends to British Judo, I just want to say sorry for my performance.”