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Ryan Gregson of Australia impresses in 1500m heat, but Luke Mathews flops in Rio

Rio de Janeiro: Ryan Gregson knows he isn't "someone like [UFC champion] Conor McGregor".

Unlike the UFC champion, Australia's 1500m star knows he can't fein confidence, and that it can only be generated by strong performances on the track.

Ryan Gregson has made Australian history in Rio
Ryan Gregson has made Australian history in Rio Photo: Getty Images

After his heat on Tuesday morning, Gregson he is feeling positive.

Boxed in for much of the race he set off late to qualify easily for the semi-finals (Thursday night Rio time), finishing second in his heat in a time of 3:39.13.

Gregson said he didn't want to "show his cards early".

"That's kind of how I've raced all year," he added.

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He was particularly pleased with the way he had advanced.

"That's the first time I've qualified through to the ceremony automatically, usually I have to have a nervous wait. That was a big step forward, qualifying automatically."

Disappointing run: Luke Mathews.
Disappointing run: Luke Mathews. Photo: Getty Images

But while Gregson impressed, compatriot Luke Mathews' Games ended poorly, as he flopped in his heat to finish 12th in 3:44.51 - eliminated from the event.

Mathews had failed similarly in the 800m, and was left scratching his head after noticing a decline in his training and competitive performances in recent weeks.

"It's an embarrassing place to [fail]," Mathews said.

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