Natalie Powell’s Olympic journey has to come to an end as she was knocked out of the competition in the early hours of this morning.

The former world number one from near Builth Wells lost out during the second round in the judo -78kg category, round of 16 to South Korea’s Hyunji Yoon.

Natalie, from Beulah, had received a bye to the second round but unfortunately was caught by a “Tomoe-nage” by Hyuni who “registered ippon” before eliminating Natalie from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Hyunji, who is ranked 23 in the world, progressed to face Natalie after defeating USA’s Nefeli Papadakis.

Speaking to the British Judo Association after the match, the disappointed 30-year-old said she “didn’t really know what went wrong”.

She told the association: “I felt like my preparations coming into it were really good. I was physically and mentally in a good place, I was really well prepared so I really don’t know what went wrong.

“I don’t know if the nerves got to me or the pressure of the occasion, I don’t know but I just didn’t feel myself out there. I was a few seconds of pace.”

Despite the double-Olympian’s disappointment, she has left supporters back home in Wales full of pride.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said on Facebook: “Gutted for Natalie Powell but she is just so impressive to make it so far.

“It takes so much work and sacrifice to even make it onto the plane out to the Olympics. Natalie, everyone back home is so proud of you and grateful for what you’ve achieved so far.

“Keep flying the flag!”

Ms Jones was not alone in showing support for the judoka as the Welsh Judo Association also posted in appreciation of Natalie.

They tweeted: “RESULT - Yoon catches Powell with a Tomoe-nage to register ippon putting an end to Powell processing past the second round stage.

“We and our entire Welsh Judo family are extremely proud of you Natalie Powell.”