Kim Pham
26 July 2016: University of Canberra student Josh Katz will be Australia's youngest ever male judoka to compete at an Olympic Games when he takes to the mat at Rio. It's a huge title to have but the 18-year-old is taking it all in his stride.
"I'm very proud to be able to compete at the Olympics at such a young age, and I definitely feel like I have something to prove, maybe more so than some other people. I want to show that my place there is no accident," he said.
"I look at it as an advantage as well because I don't have a lot of pressure on myself to get a result, which I think can maximise my performance on the day of competition. I'm fighting with nothing to lose."
Katz began a double degree of sport and exercise science and sports management this year but has put his studies on hold to prepare for the Olympics.
He will compete in the under-60kg division and comes from judo pedigree with his older brother Nathan also named in the Australian judo team. His parents also have connections to the sport with his father coach of the judo team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and his mother competing in the team.
"It's great for my brother and I to be able to train and travel together throughout the year, and having our parents so heavily involved in our training and competing makes the whole experience that much more special," Katz said.
"Having them all there for support during training and competitions and knowing they can relate to what I'm experiencing is very comforting."
Katz started training at a young age and said he enjoys the challenges and discipline that comes with the sport. He now divides his time between Australia and England for training and competition.
"I spend a large majority of time training overseas to accommodate for the smaller number of training partners here in Australia," he said.
"A usual week will consist of two to three training sessions a day for five to six days which includes strength and conditioning, technical and tactical training, and randori (sparring) sessions."
Katz said he chose to study at the University of Canberra because of its flexibility and reputation as an elite athlete-friendly organisation.
"They're extremely accommodating with my online pattern of study to accommodate for my significant overseas travel, and really allow me to concentrate on both study and training simultaneously whilst I'm overseas," he said.
The Rio Olympics start on 5 August.
Read about some of UC Olympic Games and Paralympic Games representatives:
Gracie gears up for Olympic debut
