OLYMPIC HISTORY

Japan won all but one of the four judo titles at the inaugural Olympic contest in Tokyo, the one being that which is most remembered; Anton Geesink, of The Netherlands, defeated Kaminaga Akio, champion of Japan, twice.

The sport went missing from the Mexico City schedule before reappearing in Munich for men, although women had to wait until 1992 for Olympic status.

One of the sport's legends is Yasuhiro Yamashita, of Japan, who was undefeated from 1977 to 1984, the span of his international career. He left his best until last. Having been too young to qualify in 1976 and having missed the 1980 Games because of the boycott, Yamashita was determined to win in Los Angeles. However, in his second bout, he tore a calf muscle and his hopes seemed to be dashed.

Yamashita was made of sterner stuff, however. He fought on bravely and made the final against Mohammed Rashwan, of Egypt, who had won every one of his qualifying bouts by ippon, a single point score or throw. Yamashita won the day and the title to become a national hero. He was team manager for Japan at the 1996 Games.

Among favourites for glory in Sydney are the extremes of David Douillet, of France, reigning heavyweight champion, and Ryoko Tamura, the Japanese extra lightweight. Japan, South Korea, Germany, Belgium and France are likely to dominate among men, while Cuba is the nation to beat among women.