In 1959, 24-year-old "Rusty" Kanokogi (then Rena Glickman) had to disguise herself as a man in order to compete. At the time it was not allowed for women to compete in judo leagues.
Together with her team, she won a gold medal in the YMCA state judo (N.Y.) championships. However, the judges later revoked her medal.
Now, at the age of 74 and probably America's highest ranking woman in the sport, she will finally receive the gold medal she won 50 years ago.
Kanokogi is a pioneer in women's judo. Her accomplishments include lobbying the IOC to recognize women's judo as an Olympic sport.
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