BEULAH’S Natalie Powell has finished outside of the medals in the judo competition at the Rio Olympics.
The 25-year-old was cheered by her family and supporters who’d travelled to Brazil - while members of the Builth Wells-based Irfon Judo Club had gathered at the Greyhound pub to shout for their local hero from 5,000 miles away.
Sadly despite Natalie comfortably winning her first round fight in the under 78kg division the Commonwealth Games champion lost to eventual silver medalist Audrey Tcheumeo, of France, and then went out after losing at the repechage stage.
Despite the defeat, Natalie’s younger sister, Kirsty - who was also a member of the Welsh judo team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games - tweeted: "Unlucky @Nataliep_90 !! Your still the absolute boss #proudsister."
Kayla Harrison, of the United States, beat Tcheumeo, in the final to defend her title and take her second Olympic gold.
Richard Jones, of the Irfon Judo club where Natalie began training aged 8, said the club were all proud of Natalie’s achievements in reaching the games - becoming the first Welsh woman to represent Great Britain in judo at the Olympics.
Richard, who was Natalie’s first coach, said: "She was with us from age eight until she went to university in Cardiff where she split up her time between university and judo at the national centre.
"I think she is having a long holiday after the Olympics and will then decide her path. She has certainly got the ability and is the right age to go for the Olympics again and there are also world titles."
Irfon Judo Club, which meets every Monday night at Builth Wells Sports Centre, is also holding an event on Sunday, August 28 and is hopeful Natalie will be able to attend.