It’s well-known Ronda Rousey enjoyed an acclaimed career in mixed martial arts prior to stepping foot in the squared circle. Rousey is the first woman to win titles in both WWE and UFC and competed in the first ever women’s bout for the MMA group.
What newer fans may not know is that Rousey had a glittering sports career even prior to her exploits in MMA. The “Rowdy” one began judo training before hitting her teens, coached by her mother, a world-renowned judoka.
AnnMaria De Mars was the first American to win a World Judo Championship and passed her talent onto her daughter. That paid off in 2008 when Rousey snatched a bronze medal. In the process, she became the first American to win an Olympics medal in women’s judo.
Rousey is a two-time Olympian, having also qualified for the 2004 Olympics at just 17 years old.
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