The day started on a low note with both Kevin De Saedeleer and Renaud Malache being eliminated in the first round.
This was no surprise for Kevin, given his tough draw against one of the top favourites, Raphael Ourednik from France. He went on to win the bronze medal later that day, behind Kanafin from Kazakhstan and Otvos from Hungary.
We had high hopes for Renaud against Turkey's Mohammed Peksert, but he fought a little too passively. For them, it was all over after this first round. Peksert eventually finished 5th in the final rankings.
There are no repechages for judokas who are eliminated in the first round.
Yes... Top-level sport can be tough.
