Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The cloud left by Victoria’s bungled attempt at hosting the Commonwealth Games had a silver lining for Melbourne-based Maria Swan.
Judo was originally axed from the program for the 2026 Games, leaving a huge hole on the sport’s international calendar.
But the list of sports was cut back and reshuffled when Glasgow picked up the pieces, opening doors for Swan and her fellow judoka.
“I didn’t think I’d get this opportunity,” Swan said after taking silver in the women’s -78kg division.
“Once it got moved to Scotland and judo was included, it was such a relief because this is such an experience. This whole thing has been amazing.”
Swan took an early yuko lead and was in a winning position with one minute left in her gold medal match against England’s defending champion Emma Reid.
But Reid remained patient and produced an ippon to turn the contest around and retain her crown.
“I’m a little bit disappointed because I really wanted the gold but I’m really happy with my performance,” Swan said.
“I really gave it everything and Emma is such a strong opponent.
“It’s really promising. I’m going in the right direction and I’m happy with how I fought.”
Swan suffered a minor injury from Reid’s winning move, which would have been worse if she had not tapped out.
“I think I have torn a little bit in my elbow … that’s the sport, it’s brutal,” Swan said.
Swan is next eyeing the judo world championships, where she hopes to challenge for a medal match, with the Los Angeles and Brisbane Olympics also on the radar.
“I am capable and I’m up there, and I’m very ready for whatever’s next,” the 24-year-old said.
“I’m going to keep working, keep doing exactly what I’m doing and keep giving it everything, and everything will fall in place.”
Australia also took silver in the men’s +100kg division when Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi was beaten by Giannis Antoniou, who won Cyprus’s first gold medal of the Games in one of the last few events on the program.
This AAP article was made possible by support from Commonwealth Games Australia.
