COLIN Oates admitted his last shot at an Olympic judo medal has gone after the Livingston-based fighter crashed out in the Round of 32 to France’s Kilian Le Bouch.
The 33-year-old, a quarter-finalist at London 2012, was deadlocked at the end of regulation with neither man landing a score.
But in a golden score shootout, it was the Frenchman who squeezed through 3-2 in shidos with Oates taking his leave with a pop at the officials who marked him down.
“I allowed the referee to dictate the fight and the decision at the end to give me a shido before time for not attacking was ridiculous,” he said. “He’s one of those fighters who doesn’t really want to get involved and is just scrappier. I’m usually good at that type of fight but I just didn’t handle it.
“I’m 33 now and this is quite possibly my last Games unfortunately so it’s disappointing.
“We still have wonderful chances though. We knew the men were up against it here but the women have got a really good opportunity. It’s my job now to collect water, say some inspirational words and try to help them produce the medals we need.”
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