PNG’s Rio bid ends

A LACK of experience and a significant height and reach difference were the telling factors behind Papua New Guinea women’s taekwondo athlete Samantha Kassman’s early exit at the Rio Olympics.
Kassman lost to Great Britain’s Bianca Walkden, who went on to win the bronze medal in the women’s +67kg division.
The 32-year-old fought bravely but was beaten by her higher-ranked opponent. Walken was considerably more experienced at this level, having won the gold medal in the division at last year’s taekwondo world championships.
Kassman, despite giving away size and reach, as well as experience, took a measured approach throughout the bout and never looked like being outclassed.
The Kairuku woman’s sole point came in the second round and was greeted with warm cheers from the crowd.
She received great support from the Australian team members watching as they become familiar with each other competing in many tournaments in Australia in the lead-up to the Rio Olympics.
The Brazilian crowd was also appreciative of Kassman’s effort and was vocal in their support for the Team PNG athlete throughout the fight. A chance for Kassman to fight again later in the day through the repechage did not eventuate as Walkden lost in the semifinals to Chinese fighter Shuyin Zheng, who ended up winning the gold medal.
Kassman was the last of the Team PNG athletes to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Nephew Max Kassman lost his fight 15-1 on Saturday. The Rio Olympics ends with the closing ceremony tomorrow.