Vashkulat, a 2012 Olympian, is competing in only his second major International event since the Olympics in London, went 4-1 in 100kg, including a big win over Italo Cordova (Chili) who had beaten Kyle in their two previous bouts. This was Martin and Vashkulat’s third career medal at this event. Martin posted a 3-1 record on the day, suffering her only loss in a tight semi final battle with long time U.S. nemesis in 63kg, Janine Nakao.
Another Burnt Hills graduate, Nick Kossor maintained his No. 1 U.S. ranking along with his No. 36 world ranking by taking fifth place in 60kg. Kossor dominated his first two matches to make the semis, where he dropped a heartbreaker to Francisco Garrigos (Spain) after leading most of the bout before getting thrown in the final moments. Kossor then lost an exciting battle with long-time North American rival Sergio Pessoa (Canada) in the bronze medal bout.
Brad Bolen took seventh at 66kg to move up one spot on the world ranking list to No. 30.
Bolen, Kossor and Martin officially qualified for the U.S. team that will compete at the World Championship August 26-30, 2013 in Rio, Brazil.
This will be Bolen and Kossor’s third straight trip to the Worlds and it will be Martin’s first. This marks the sixth straight time a JMJC athlete has made the world team and the latest trio makes 19 overall athletes from the JMJC to qualify.
