Judo at the Rio 2016 Olympics: All you need to know

How does it work?

Judo's translation as 'the gentle way' belies the ultimate goal to win by either throwing an opponent forcibly on their back, holding them down for 20 seconds or forcing a submission.

Contests last up to five minutes for men, while women's are now up to four minutes, with a knockout format used in all 14 weight divisions (seven per gender). A repechage for losing quarter-finalists and semi-finalists decides the bronze medallists.

At Rio, penalties no longer automatically result in points for the opponent. Leg grabs have, controversially, been banned since 2013.

Who are the favourites?

French heavyweight Teddy Riner has won an unprecedented eight individual world titles and is unbeaten since September 2010.

Brazil's Sarah Menezes will defend her Olympic under 48kg title, and two-time world champion Majlinda Kelmendi is the top medal hope for debutants Kosovo.

What about the British prospects?

The British team won Olympic medals for the first time since 2000 with silver and bronze in London and a repeat is possible, if not expected.

Wales' Natalie Powell was selected instead of Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons for the solitary under 78kg place, having beaten her to European bronze in April. Colin Oates won European silver in the under 66kg.

When is it on?

The judo will take place from 6-12 August, with finals on each day.

I didn't know that...

Vladimir Putin is renowned for his judo skills but have you ever wondered just how good he is? The Russian president, a black belt since his late teens, has the exalted rank of 8th Dan. Teddy Riner, the most successful judoka of all time, is a mere 5th Dan. Putin, of course, has had a few decades head start on the 27-year-old Frenchman.

Previous British medallists

Eighteen (eight silver, 10 bronze)

Most recent British medals

2012 - Gemma Gibbons (silver, women's -78kg); Karina Bryant (women's +78kg)

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