THERE was Olympic heartbreak for three of north Kent's Judo fighters over the weekend.

Sophie Cox, who is based in Dartford, bowed out of the women’s under 52kg when she lost her opening bout to Ae An Kum of North Korea, the 2008 Olympic silver medallist.

Sophie said: "I have found over the last couple of years if I can get through my first fight, then I can go on to do well, so this one was make or break.

"But I just could not get it right and it was a tough draw.

"I felt fit and strong, it just did not happen today."

Cox turns 30 in December, but has not written off hopes of fighting at another Olympics in Rio.

She said: "I might be 29, but I still feel 25 in judo terms, but I will take a couple of months to take a look at things and see how British Judo want to go, but I will keep all doors open."

Today she tweeted: "Just wanted to say massive thanks for all the support. Fight on! GL to the rest of GB, c'mon!"

Dartford's Ashley McKenzie and Gravesend's Kelly Edwards were the first British athletes to be eliminated from London 2012, after both losing to Japanese opponents.

Ashley, aged 23, was up against world number two Hiroaki Hiraoka in the under 60kg weight category, while 21-year-old Kelly lost to Tomoko Fukumi in the under 48kg weight division.

Yesterday Ashley tweeted: "Finish my day by losing to the japans first fight! But did try my hardest and I thanks all my supporters !! #2016RIO"

Judo fighter Gemma Howell, aged 22, competes in the under 63kg category tomorrow at 9.37am (July 31).