Gabriella Wood: 'The journey doesn't end here'

Wood, who trains at Alloa's Esprit, was representing Trinidad and Tobago in Tokyo as the first female to compete at the Olympics from her country in judo.

She was also just the second Trinidad and Tobago representative in the sport after Christopher George who became the first person to compete for the island nation at the 2016 Olympics.

Wood was eliminated by Belarus' Maryna Slutskaya at the Nippon Budokan indoor arena last week, being pinned 53 seconds into the first round.

Slutskaya, 30, has a wealth of experience, including appearances in five World Championships and two gold medals at the European Championships.

Posting on Facebook, Wood said: "Not the outcome I was hoping for at my opening round of the Olympic Games, but the experience gained from being able to fight at this level only cements my desire to do it again.

"I'm proud to have been able to represent the red, white and black at the greatest sporting stage in the world.

"I would like thank everybody for all their kind messages and support it really means a lot to me.

"I'm going to take some time now to rest and spend time with my family and friends before we go full speed ahead to Birmingham 2022.

"The journey doesn't end here it's only just begun."

Wood's words were echoed by coach Lee Calder, who promised Wood will come back stronger and better.

Calder said: "We would like to thank everyone back home in the UK and in Trinidad & Tobago for all their support and backing, the message of support has been immense.

"Unfortunately yesterday never went to plan, but the experience that has been gained from competing at the Olympics, for both Gabriella and myself, only cements our desire to compete at this level again.

"Gabriella is still young and has a bright future ahead of her, within the sport of judo.

"This journey will only help to build the experience she needs to come back stronger and better.

"Once again thank you for all the support."