PRESS RELEASE

Chandler Wins Gold
Mexico City, Mexico - Carrie Chandler (21) of the the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Club (JMJC) won a Gold medal at the Benito Juarez International Judo tournament Saturday May 31, 2003. Chandler beat Carmen Hernandez (Mexico), Karen Araya (Chile), Shana Sugiura (USA) and Larissa Trindade (Brazil) in the final to capture the 57kg title and five valuable ranking points on the USA roster. Chandler won all her matches by ippon (full point). Chandler's chief rival to make the 2004 Olympic team, 2000 Olympian, Ellen Wilson also competed in the event but did not place. Chandler and Wilson both have six points towards the US Olympic trials, which are tentatively scheduled for May 29, 2004. Burnt Hills High Sr., Liz Burns (18) excelled as well, winning a Silver in 52kg. Burns was 3-1 on the day, but lost in the final to her main competition for the Olympic team, Charlee Minkin (21). Burns was very close to knocking Minkin off but made a crucial error when out gripped with 1:30 left on the clock. Burns was dominating the bout and held a small lead, but tried a throw when off balance and was countered then pinned allowing Minkin to survive and win the Gold. This puts Minkin ahead 10-5 toward the trials. Burns is now 0-5 against the reigning US #1, but is on the verge of moving past her. Nate Torra (20) also won a Silver medal for the JMJC with a 3-1 record. Torra lost in the 66kg final to Dominican Republic #1, Juan Jacinto. Torra beat Juan Roman (Mexico), Igor Rocha (Brazil) in an overtime thriller and Carlos Nunez (Mexico) on his way to the final. This result put Torra ahead of long time US #1, 2000 Olympian, Alex Ottiano 5-4 in points for the trials. Next up for the fab three is the Tre Torri International in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy June 7-8, 2003. This is a "B" level tournament so they can earn 10 points for a Gold, 6 for Silver, 4 for Bronze and 2 for a 5th place finish.