Netherlands wins bronze in judo

16 August 2004

AMSTERDAM — Dutch athlete Deborah Gravenstijn won her country’s third medal on Monday when she took bronze in judo.

This was the best performance of Gravenstijn’s career. The 29-year-old beat France’s Barbara Harel with a shoulder throw to earn her place on the medal podium.

Gravenstijn has in the past achieved second and third place at the world championships and was fifth at the Sidney Olympics four years ago.

Prior to her victory on Monday, three other Dutch women had won bronze at the Olympics for judo. They were Claudia Zwiers, Irene de Kok and Jenny Gal.

Gravenstijn’s win bring the Dutch medals tally to date to three: one silver and two bronze.

Subject: Dutch news, Olympics