Finnegan’s division was conducted as a two-pool round robin with the top two athletes coming out of each pool and advancing to the semifinals and the remaining four athletes competing for fifth through eighth places.

After a first-round loss to Leandro Monzon (ARG), Finnegan fought hometown favorite, and eventual champion, Juarez Santos (BRA).

Finnegan fought Santos well, holding the score tied at three until Santos picked up two more points in the final 20 seconds of the match to win it.

“I knew he was a favorite to win. Usually against tough opponents I tend to step it up and I thought I fought him well,” Finnegan said. “If I would’ve beaten him, maybe I would’ve been in a position to medal later, but it was a good match and he’s a good fighter, so we’ll see each other again in the future.”

With only a few minutes rest, Finnegan rolled straight into his next match against Andres Heredia (ECU). Trailing by two after the first minute, Finnegan picked up four points in 10 seconds, including three off an impressive takedown. The last minute belonged to Heredia, however, who scored four more times to end the match at 7-4.

Although out of medal contention, the day wasn’t done for Finnegan as he fought twice more in the fifth-eighth place contests. Finnegan defeated Manuel Costa (URU), 6-4. Costa only scored on Finnegan once, but he was given penalties for excessive contact in the final 10 seconds when he knocked out Costa.

The win moved Finnegan up to fight for fifth place against Midiet Roque (CUB). The match was close throughout with Finnegan earning multiple scores, but Roque pulled out the win in the end at 7-5.

“I’ve had a great year, winning the World University Championships and the North American Cup, and was hoping this would’ve topped off the season,” Finnegan said. “I really wanted to cap this season off with a medal here, but I’ll keep training and hopefully in another four years I’ll be here again.”

For more information, contact Nicole Jomantas, Karate Press Officer, at 011-55-21-8890-3155 or Nicole.Jomantas@usajudo.us.