Oak Harbor native wins bronze medal

LONDON — When Marti Malloy returns from the London Olympics, her luggage is going to be a little bit heavier.

Malloy, who grew up in Oak Harbor and now lives in San Jose, Calif., won a bronze medal in judo in the women’s 57-kilogram division Monday.

“I peaked for this tournament,” Malloy said on the USA Today website. “It’s my first Olympics, and I feel fantastic to be leaving with the bronze.”

Kaori Matsumoto of Japan won the gold medal, defeating Corina Caprioriu of Romania in the championship match. Caprioriu was disqualified during overtime for an illegal attack from behind, but still earned the silver medal.

Caprioriu beat Malloy in the semifinals. Malloy then rebounded to defeat the defending gold medalist, Giulia Quintavalle of Italy, in a bronze-medal match.

En route to the semifinals Malloy upset the No. 2 seed in the tournament, Telma Monteiro of Portugal. Monteiro had defeated Malloy in their past two meetings, but U.S. coach Jimmy Pedro described Malloy’s recent form as “spectacular.”

Malloy fought off Monteiro’s aggressive attempts to grip her uniform and repeatedly tried to throw Monteiro. The fight went into overtime, when Malloy swept Monteiro’s foot to make the winning throw.

Malloy’s father, Marty, watched his daughter from the stands Monday, where he was wearing a T-shirt with “Malloy” emblazoned on it, designed like a judo uniform.

“All I can ever remember about my daughter is her going to judo tournaments since she was 6,” he said.

Marty Malloy wasn’t sure how he would reward his daughter but said there definitely would be celebrations.

“First I’m going to have a beer in her honor,” he said.

In judo, two bronze medals are awarded in each weight class. Automne Pavia of France joined Malloy as a bronze medalist.

Also in the stands Monday was French president Francois Hollande. Pavia said she was pleased he was there.

“He said he was a little disappointed (she didn’t win gold) but was still very happy,” she said.