GERMAN OPEN ---GOLD

Above are some pics from the German Open where I am still very sweaty and messy from fighting! The awarding ceremony was quick on court due to the large number of competitors at this event (1200...so thats why I am upstairs~!)

I fought:
1) Kazhakhstan: 7-1
2) Germany, disqualified
3) Spain, 1-0
4) Netherlands, 4-1
5) Croatia, 7-0

It was great to be out there again! It was a little different this time because we used electornic scoring...which meant you had to score your own points and not rely on referees to press the buzzer thus trying to eliminate bias. The system has definately progressed since last time I used it but there is always room for further improvement.

5th Place - Olympic Test Event

Bronze Medal Match (Final of Repacharge)
Losing the Bronze Medal Match (5-4)

The comp finished a few days ago and I am now in Germany preparing for the German Open. I ended up equal 5th place on the tally in China.

I opened up strongly in the competition, winning against Japan 7-0 and then Sweden 3-1. In the semi final I was edged out by China 2-1 and then I went into a reparcharge system to fight off for bronze. In the final of that reparcharge I lost again to a chinese athlete 5-4. My mistakes came from a split second lack of concerntration, conservatism and perhaps lack of matt time. Although I am very dissapointed with the result (no medal) I am happy that I am back fighting fit again!!!

When I look at things in perspective, 10 months ago I could not kick at all - let alone walk, and now I am back doing the thing I love so much. This was my first official international comp since my injury and as far as I can see the only way is up!

.........Towards Gold in Beijing!>>>>>>>>>>>HUNGRYYYYYYY!