Sayaka takes 5th at Pan Am Sr Championships

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (November 10, 2002) – USA athletes finished with a Gold, Silver, Bronze, and 5th place in the 2nd day of competition at the Pan American Judo Union Senior Championships on Saturday.

Taylor Takata, won a gold medal at 60kg, followed by Charlee Minkin with a silver at 52kg, Alex Ottiano with bronze at 66kg and Sayaka Matsumoto with 5th at 48kg.

In the team tournament on Sunday, both the USA Men and Women teams lost to Cuba. The women could not continue because of injuries. The men subsequently lost to Canada.

The USA’s total individual medal count for 2-day the event was 2 Gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze, and 3 fifth places.

For additional information, contact John Miller, 303-237-0063; jonmira@aol.com

Results reported by Francisco Ramirez, team manager.

MEN

Gold – 60 kg – Taylor Takata, Colorado Springs, CO

Bronze – 66 kg – Alex Ottiano, Lawrence, MA

WOMEN

5th place – 48 kg – Sayaka Matsumoto, Richmond, CA

Silver – 52 kg – Charlee Minkin, Colorado Springs, CO