After losing the Olympic spot in a controversial bout in 1996, Kimberley Ribble has travelled a long arduous road to gain a berth on the 2000 team . She has undergone surgery on both knees over the past eight months. She blew her right knee at the world team trials last year which required major reconstructive surgery. When she returned she put too much pressure on her left knee and suffered an injury which necessitated another operation this past February.

  "After my first surgery the doctors told me my career was over," said Ribble, the Canadian 78 kilograms champion. "I was upset and I didn't think I'd continue. But after the surgery on the left knee, I had a much more positive attitude and it healed so fast. Right now I feel great and I'll be ready for Sydney."

  Ribble is part of a unique athlete sponsorship program with Home Depot in which Canadian Olympians work part-time at convenient hours but receive full-time pay. Her goal is top eight finish in Sydney.

2000 Games
Sept. 21: Women's half-heavyweight (78-kg): Kimberly Ribble, Hamilton, suffered knee and foot injuries in first-round bout against Diadenys Luna, Cuba, eliminated.

Photos
Canada's Kimberly Ribble is injured


2000 Games Judo Coverage