Taylor Takata

Taylor Takata (born April 6, 1982) is an American athlete who placed 9th at Men's Judo (66kg Weight Category) 2008 Summer Olympics. [ Ranking listed on the page Judo_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_-_Men%27s_66_kg] He represented the United States and comes from the state of Hawaii.

Biography

Place of Birth: Honolulu, HawaiiHometown: Wahiawa, HawaiiCurrent Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.Club: USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training CenterCoach: Eddie LiddieEducation: Attended San Jose State University and University of Colorado at Colorado SpringsOther sports/hobbies: Fishing, watching TV

Personal: Taylor, a native of Hawaii, staked his claim on the sport of judo first at 60kg, where he represented the United States at both the Junior and Senior World Championships as well as winning National Championship, Pan American and U.S. Open Titles. In 2004, he moved up to the 66kg division.

Taylor Takata has held the #1 U.S. ranking in judo this year after several years of moving among the rankings. Taylor dominated his U.S. opponents to win the Trials in June and a rightful place on his first Olympic Team.

Taylor's competition at the Olympic Games was the culmination of a long journey; he just placed ninth in the 66kg division on Sunday. Gold next time, just you wait!

Taylor has said,

"It's been great to be here and experience the Olympics and fight the best guys in the world"

He recently tried adopting a new attacking style, likening it to the way a predator stalks his prey. Usually it works pretty spectacularly:

Source

Image from: http://www.taylortakata.com/Home_Page.php

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=1285/bio/index.html