The best performance from the United States was Kayla Harrison (pictured above) as the 22-year-old from Ohio won gold in the women's −78 kg division at ExCeL to claim America's first ever Olympic victory in the sport.

There was also a bronze medal from Marti Malloy as the 26-year-old from Washington finished third in the women's −57 kg division to help the US to seventh on the London 2012 judo medal table.

In addition, Travis Stevens finished fifth in the men's −81 kg division.

These successes are behind USA Judo chief executive Jose H. Rodriguez announcement of a plan to financially reward the judokas for their Olympic performances.

"We want each of our members to be a part of this historic moment for judo in the United States, and it is the hope that each and every one of our members will support and participate in the programme that we are announcing today," said Rodriguez in an open letter.

Kayla Harrison (in white) and Gemma Gibbons of Britain compete in the women's -78 kg judo final at the London 2012 Olympic Games

"As all of you know, we had two athletes win medals in London: Kayla Harrison the gold and Marti Malloy the bronze.

"We also had one other athlete make it to the semi-final rounds of the Olympic Games in London, and that was Travis Stevens who ended placing fifth.

"USA Judo wants to reward these three, to say 'thank you' and at the same time motivate our youth, the next generation of judoka who will follow them in years to come, so that they know we are proud of their accomplishments, their sacrifice and commitment to the sport of judo.

"Therefore, USA Judo announces that a $100,000 (£62,470/€78,025) prize fund will be raised in order to award Kayla Harrison $55,000 (£34,359/€42,914); Marti Malloy $30,000 (£18,738/€23,404) and Travis Stevens $15,000 (£9,371/€11,704).

"Now, we want you, our members and supporters to be a part of raising these funds.

Marti Malloy competes with Russia's Irina Zabludina in the London 2012 women's -57 kg judo

"We are asking that each and every one of you consider making a donation, whatever each of you can afford to help USA Judo get to the $100,000 (£62,470/€78,025) needed.

"All donations will be strictly handled and deposited in a restricted account that will be used to pay these athletes the prize funds.

"The drive to raise this money will end on September 30.

"All donors, no matter how small their contribution is, will be recognised on our website and Facebook page.

"A permanent webpage will be left on our official website as a standing tribute to those who gave toward reaching the $100,000 (£62,470/€78,025) figure.

"USA Judo will also create a wall plaque that will list donors and hang in perpetuity at our National Governing Body office."

Travis Stevens (in blue) competes with Antoine Valois-Fortier of Canada in the men's -81 kg judo at this summer's Olympics

Rodriguez continued that the major donors will receive special recognition for USA Judo.

"The highest levels of donors will receive signed pictures of our three athletes together," he said.

"All donations will be 100 per cent earmarked towards this fund and will be tax-deductible with proper letters of receipt and appreciation issued."

The highest donations, known as gold medal donations, will be for at least $5,000 (£3,124/€3,900), while silver medal donations will be for $2,500 (£1,562/€1,950) to $4,999 (£3,124/€3,900) and bronze medal donations $500 (£312/€390) to $2,499 (£1,562/€1,950).

There will also be an honourable mention for donations of $100 (£62/€77) to $499 (£312/€390) and a club supporters mention for donations of $5 (£3/€4) to $99 (£62/€77).

To donate, click here. 

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