Today, judo and jiu-jitsu black belt Travis Stevens of Team USA took silver in judo at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. 

Stevens is a three-time Olympian who competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Games. His silver in 81kg judo from today was his first medal at the Games.

The finals match against Khasan Khalmurzaev saw Stevens attack the Russian on the mat with effective groundwork. 

Khalmurzaev used an uchimata while Stevens was in a half-kneeling position to score ippon, a throw where the opponent lands cleanly on their back. 

About Travis Stevens

A expert grappler in both judo and jiu-jitsu, Stevens has trained extensively with John Danaher at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, and received his black belt in jiu-jitsu in November 2013. 

His world-class ground game was a factor during the 2016 Rio Olympics as Stevens won his semifinal match by choke, and the quarterfinals by pin. 

Stevens was ranked No. 5 in the world entering the Games. He won gold at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto and the 2016 World Judo Masters Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.


Travis Stevens (USA) fights Avtandili Tchrikishvili (GEO) during men's judo 81kg semifinals in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports


Travis Stevens (USA) fights Ivaylo Ivanov (BUL) during men's judo 81kg quarterfinals in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports


Travis Stevens (USA) fights Khasan Khalmurzaev (RUS) during men's judo 81kg gold medal match in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Stevens 2016 Olympics Results:  

Lost to Khasan Khalmurzaev of Russia by ippon 
Def Avtandil Tchrikishvili of Georgia (semi finals) by choke 
Def Ivaylo Ivanov of Bulgaria (quarter finals) by pin 
Def Shaxzod Sobirov of Uzbekistan (round of 16) by ippon 
Def Robin Pacek of Sweden (round of 32) by yuko

 

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