Gibbons wins Judo Silver

Gemma Gibbons celebrates defeating Netherland's Marhinde Verkerk in the Quarter-finals. Credit: REUTERS

Gemma Gibbons won Britain's first Olympic judo medal in 12 years, after she was beaten by American Kayla Harrison in the women's under 78kgs final at ExCeL.

The gold proved just out of reach for the 25-year-old, as the fourth-seeded American claimed a narrow 2-0 victory, for the United States' first ever judo Olympic title.

Gibbons left theTatami to a standing ovation, and a congratulatory handshake from Prime Minister David Cameron before heading off for the medal ceremony to receive her silver.

Gibbons, who spent six months out of the sport after surgery on her shoulder, battled through to the semi-finals, where she beat world champion Audrey Tcheumeo earlier this afternoon.

Gibbons was was beaten by Kayla Harrison in the women's under 78kgs Judo final Credit: REUTERS