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Four-time Olympian Iliadis looks for a third judo medal in Rio

Xinhua, August 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Greek judoka Ilias Iliadis aims at a third Olympic medal in his fourth trip to the Games.

Iliadis, 29, will compete in the men's -90kg at the Rio Olympics which will open on Friday.

The 2004 Athens champion and 2012 London bronze medalist hoped he could go home with another Olympic medal, preferably a gold one.

"It is a really big history for me. It is four Olympic Games for me. My first Olympic Games were in 2004. Now I am in Rio 2016. The time has passed so fast," he said following a training session at Athletes Park on Monday. "I was a kid in 2004 and I won the gold medal. So I come here to take the same title."

"I have two medals from Olympic Games and I want one more medal," he added.

Iliadis is aware how big a task he will face to win a medal with younger opponents around as 2015 world champion Gwak Donghan of South Korea, 24, and Japanese Mashu Baker, 21, will be favorites for the title.

"In judo there are more strong athletes. I think every category is very strong, not just the 90 kilo. Everyone is ready for the Olympic Games and everyone is ready for the Olympic gold medal. Every fight is the same like the final," he said.

"I feel really good and very strong and we will see," he added. Endit