Majlinda Kelmendi won Kosovo's first ever Olympic gold medal at its maiden Games on Sunday Aug 07,2016 and the judoka will be thanked for a very long time for helping put her country's name on the international map.
The 25-year-old sank to her knees in tears after beating Italy's Odette Giuffrida by yuko in the women's 52kg final.
Majlinda Kelmendi took control of the final from the start, pinning Italy's Odette Giuffrida quickly to score her single point yuko. Highlighting her reputation for nerves of steel, Kelmendi never gave up her slight advantage.
"Everyone in Kosovo has watched my combats and expected to see me win. That is why I was to motivated," she said.
Japan's Misato Nakamura and Russia's Natalia Kuziutina won the bronze medals.
Note
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 -- whose forces fought to stop breakaway rebels in 1998-99 -- and has since had its own scrap for recognition
About 100 countries have given their diplomatic stamp to Kosovo. It has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee for less than two years
Majlinda Kelmendi fought for Albania at the 2012 London Games, before Kosovo had its IOC badge, and went out in the second round.
Majlinda Kelmendi has won two world titles since, however -- including one in Rio in 2013 -- and that made her favourite going into the final.
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