Soy una Perdedora

Hey look, I won a medal!



Not that one, though. The gold medal is Sara's, she just let me wear it.
This is the medal I won...



If you'll notice, there is no one standing on the bronze podium. Yeah, there were only two of us in my division, so I got a silver medal...for losing.

The tournament was double elimination, but apparently if there are only two people in your division, one loss and you're done. I'm a little disappointed that I only had one match, but I'm not disappointed in my performance. This was the most relaxed and calm I have ever been while competing, which for me is a huge victory.

Besides, how could I feel bad about losing to such a nice girl as Nadia? She seemed a little nervous before we started fighting, and after she submitted me she let out an enthusiastic "yes!" Not in a superior, ego kind of way, but in a genuine release of joy kind of way. I am actually happy for her that she beat me. She was a class act.

I think one of the reasons I felt so comfortable is because my family and my ladies were with me. Amy and Sara both cornered me, which I am very grateful for (even though I didn't really listen to them, they tried :) Sara not only won gold in her division, but she also went on to win absolute.



Overall it was a good experience, and I know I'll learn some lessons from it (#1 stop getting armbarred!) I consider the day to be a success...I didn't get injured, I didn't make a fool of myself, and I got to eat a bunch of tacos afterward. Life is good.