Mandic leaves it late to win gold
Hannah Johnston /
Getty Images Europe
Milica Mandic claimed Serbia's first taekwondo
Olympic gold when she beat Anne-Caroline Graffe of France 9-7 in the
women's over-67kgs final.
Mandic, 21, was making her debut at the
Games, but showed no big-stage nerves as she beat 2008 champion Maria
del Rosario Espinoza and then European gold medallist Anastasia
Baryshnikova en route to the final.The Serbian continued her momentum against Graffe, landing a head kick in the second round to lead 5-4 going into the final two minutes.
Graffe, 26, is the current world and European champion at over-73kg, but initially France had selected under-73kg world gold medallist Gwladys Epangue, who was injured in the run-up to London 2012.
However, the 26-year-old demonstrated her pedigree to level up the contest at 7-7 as the clock ticked into the last 50 seconds.
Mandic, though, was not to be denied as she landed a couple more body shots to close out a memorable victory.
The 2008 Olympic champion Espinoza came through the repechage to beat Cuban Glenhis Hernandez and claim bronze.
"We are very happy because we will leave London with something in our hands," she said.
"I feel really emotional about this. All my efforts to be here paid off in the end. It was worth it."
Third seed Russian Anastasia Baryshnikova - who had beaten Mandic to under-73kgs gold at the 2012 European Championships in Manchester - claimed the other bronze medal after overcoming repechage winner Lee In Jong 7-6 on a sudden death score.
"I came here for the gold, but since this did not happen, I was determined to fight for the bronze," she said.
"I am proud to have won this medal for Russia, even if it is bronze and not the gold.
