Olympics Preview: US Women's Judo Team

We're closing in at less than one month for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, which are being held in August. To prepare you for the games, we are previewing the US women teams that will be taking part in this year's games.

Today, we will focus on the Judo team. For those who are unfamiliar with Judo, it is a combat sport so to speak. Basically, if you like tossing people, then judo is for you.

The team will send three regulars and three alternates.

Sayaka Matsumoto- Women's 48kg (105 lbs.)

This 4th-degree black belt from Japan will be in her first Olympic games (she was an alternate in 2000). Matsumoto is a 7-time national champion. S he is one of the best Judo fighters in the world. Her alternate will be Ann Shiraishi.

Valerie Gotay- Women's 57kg (125 lbs.)

This 34-year-old is competing in her second Olympics. Gotay competed at the 1992 games in Barcelona. She missed out on the 1996 games and the 2000 games. This veteran has the chance to get far at the Olympics. Gotay's alternate will be Hannah Martin. This 20-year-old was barely four-years-old when Gotay competed in her first games.

Ronda Rousey- Women's 70kg (154 lbs.)

This 21-year-old is the youngest non-alternate member of the Olympic team. She will be starting in her second Olympics. Rousey finished in ninth place at the 2004 games in the 63kg weight class. Rousey has won several events this year, including the US Olympic Trials, USA Senior National Championships and the Budapest World Cup. Don't be surprised to see her medal this year at Beijing. Katie Sell will be Rousey's alternate.

Photo Courtesy: Valley Morning Star