U.S. OLYMPIC FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES 1991 : NOTEBOOK

Medal search: Eddie Liddie’s hopes of extending his streak of winning a medal in every Festival since its inception came down to his last judo match Saturday before an estimated crowd of 300 at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

After losing two of his first three matches, Liddie needed a victory over John Matsuoko in the 132-pound division to take home a bronze medal and remain the only athlete to place in every Festival.

It wasn’t easy, but Liddie, 32, kept his streak alive with a decision over Matsuoko.

“Usually, it does not come down to this for me,” Liddie said. “I didn’t have a very good day to say the least.”

Tony Okada of Stanton won the division based on his victory over Liddie, who had won six gold medals--including the last four consecutive championships--three silver and one bronze in 10 appearances.

Liddie is the elder statesman of the U.S. Judo team, having been a member of the national World and Pan American teams. Liddie is also the 1991 U.S. National champion and a bronze medal winner in the 1988 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Liddie was not the only one in his family to take home a judo bronze medal. His wife, Tammie, finished third in the women’s 106-pound division.