Gemma Howell defeats Hannah Martin for gold in Judo World Cup
Shropshire judo ace Gemma Howell has bounced back from her Olympic disappointment to strike gold at an international tournament in Samoa.
The Telford judoka, whose quest for Olympic gold in London 2012 was ended by a disqualification loss to France's World and European champion Gevrise Emane in the first round, claimed first place in the Judo World Cup.
Howell defeated three opponents to claim the top prize in the U-63 kilogram weight division, including America's Hannah Martin in the final.
The former Thomas Telford School pupil had earlier beaten Australians Karen Da Silva and Tabitha Croton.
Howell's triumph was one of five at the event for Team GB, who also claimed four silvers and three bronzes.
The 12-medal haul saw Great Britain top the medal table at the competition.
Messages of congratulations have poured in on Twitter following Howell's victory and she replied by saying: "Thanks for the messages."
