Judo champion Telma Monteiro has described winning the gold medal in the women's -57kg competition at the European Games as "unbelievable".

The four-time European champion beat Hungary's Hedvig Karakas with an ippon in the final.

The Portuguese judoka told reporters: "It's unbelievable because the first match was so tough and I felt so tired, and at the same time it gave me preparations mentally for the hard day. I understood that I could fight to this limit until I have nothing more to give.

"It was a really hard day and for me to win a gold medal in the European Championships and the first European Games is very special because I was thinking of all the work I've put into it.

"Until I'm done competing I will fight for that Olympic medal, because I think I deserve it and I've worked for it. It is special and with all the work I put in every day I must think I can do it."

Monteiro is also a four-time silver medallist at the World Championships.