Rio’s highs and lows

A GLENHAVEN rower comes out tops, while the history-making judo brothers from Northmead have bowed out of the competition.

Josh Katz competes against Diyorbek Urozboev on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2 on August 6. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

A GLENHAVEN rower and his quadruple scull team have secured a place at the top of the ladder, while the history-making judo brothers from Northmead have bowed out of the competition in the first two days of the Rio Olympics.

Cameron Girdlestone and his teammates finished with a top time of 5:50.98 in heat two of the men’s quadruple sculls, and will compete in the finals on Wednesday.

Karsten Forsterling, Alexander Belonogoff, Cameron Girdlestone and James McRae during the Men's Quad. Sculls Heat 2 on Day 1 of the Olympics. Picture: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Josh Katz was knocked out in the first round of the judo competition on day one, losing to Uzbekistan’s Diyorbek Urozboev in the -60kg division.

At 18, Josh was the youngest Australian man to compete in Olympic judo.

Following his match, Josh posted a message on his Facebook page expressing his disappointment.

“Tough to find the words to capture the disappointment I’m feeling after my first Olympic experience,” he wrote.

“I felt more comfortable and confident on the mat than ever before and fully believed in my ability to win against the eventual bronze medallist – unfortunately it wasn’t to be and I feel I like I have let myself and others down,” he said.

“...This certainly won’t be the last time I fight on the world stage, and I know that this moment will without a doubt drive me to one day step up on to the podium listening to the Australian anthem.”

Nathan Katz of Australia reacts to his close defeat by Imad Bassou of Morocco on Day 2. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Josh’s older brother Nathan, the only Australian in the -66kg division, was also knocked out in the first round.

The 21-year-old took on African champion Imad Bassou, of Morocco, and fought a close match but was eventually defeated.

Jordan Thompson in action in the men's first round on August 6. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Jordan Thompson, of Cherrybrook, was also defeated 6-4, 6-2 by Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund in the first day of the men’s tennis singles.

Mitch Emery, who was born in Baulkham Hills, and his Australian Sharks teammates were defeated by Brazil 8-7 in the men’s water polo on Day 1.

Australia will play Hungary early tomorrow morning.