Pitman strikes gold in double medal win for GB at Croatian Grand Prix
Pitman strikes gold in double medal win for GB at Croatian Grand Prix
Faith Pitman won a gold as Great Britain enjoyed a successful first day of the Rijeka Grand Prix with Colin Oates also taking bronze.
After striking gold at the San Salvador Continental open earlier this year, Faith Pitman completed a career best victory with a Grand Prix gold, her first IJF World Tour medal, this time in Croatia.
The Rijeka Grand Prix is an IJF World Tour event, with plenty of valuable ranking points on offer for Britain’s judoka.
Fighting for Britain in the women's -63kg category, Pitman started in fine form beating home judoka Andreja Dakovic by a waza-ari and yuko in the first round.
The judoka then claimed a late waza-ari victory over Hannah Martin of the USA for a place in the semi-final.
She then saw off Frenchwoman Anne-Laure Bellard with a victory by ippon to set up a final against Spain’s Isabel Puche .
Essex judoka Pitman started well against Puche and countered the Spainiard’s attack winning by ippon.
Great Britain Lead Women’s Coach, Kate Howey said: “It was a great performance by Faith today she dominated from start to finish and put in a solid display. She showed that she can win in both tachi waza (final) and ne-waza (semi-final).
“She will take the confidence gained here onto Rome next month.”
Commenting on the victory Faith Pitman said: “I feel really happy with my performance today.
“This is the biggest win of my career so far and I hope I will take this form onto Rome next month.
“I hope I made everyone at West Essex JC proud today.”
