Sally Conway wins bronze in Paris Grand Slam

Edinburgh judoka Sally Conway is today celebrating a bronze medal at the prestigious Paris Grand Slam - and a massive step on the road to Rio.

Sally Conway

But the judo gods were smiling kindly on the Commonwealth bronze medallist, giving her a clear path to the podium.

The Commonwealth bronze medallist beat Cuban Onix Cortes Aldama in the second round after receiving a first-round bye in the Under-70kg event.

But she lost to Canadian world No.5 Kelita Zupancic in her final group match, ending her hopes of gold.

Conway, currently seventh in the world, then had a couple of fortunate breaks to gain a podium place.

World No.1 Kim Polling pulled out of their clash through injury and then Fanny Estelle Posvite from the host nation was disqualified from the bronze medal match.

“I felt good in the warm-up and put a good solid performance in my first fight,” Conway said. “The fight with the Canadian was going to plan and then I was caught with an ashi-waza.

“Then the next two fights were given to me by one way or another and it’s not how I expected my first Paris medal to come but I will take it and take the points towards Rio.”

In the Over-78kg event, Edinburgh’s Sarah Adlington started well with a win over Mongolia’s Javzmaa Odkhuu but then lost to Tessie Savelkouls from the Netherlands in the last 16.