Biography:
Kayla Jean Harrison (born July 2, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former Olympic and world champion judoka. She was born in Middletown, Ohio and began her journey in judo at the young age of six, thanks to her mother who was a black belt in the sport. Harrison quickly showed immense talent and dedication, winning two national championships by the age of 15.
However, Harrison’s rise to the top was not without its challenges. Tragically, she became a victim of sexual abuse by her coach, Daniel Doyle. She bravely reported the abuse to another judoka, who informed her mother and ultimately led to Doyle’s conviction and a ten-year prison term. Just a month after this revelation, Harrison decided to move away from her home in Ohio to Boston to train under the guidance of Jimmy Pedro and his father.
Despite the obstacles she faced, Harrison’s passion for judo only grew stronger. In 2008, she switched weight classes from the –63 kg division to the –78 kg division. Although she was unable to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics, she made history by winning the 2008 Junior World Championship and becoming the first American to reach the finals of two Junior World Championships.
Harrison’s groundbreaking winning streak continued in 2010 when she claimed the gold medal in the –78 kg category at the World Judo Championships. This victory marked the first time since 1999 that an American had achieved such a feat. The following year, at the 2011 World Judo Championships in Paris, Harrison secured the bronze medal after a tough battle in the semi-finals. Her pathway to glory was halted by Audrey Tcheuméo of France, the eventual champion.
The highlight of Harrison’s judo career came at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Despite suffering a medial collateral ligament tear during training, she persevered and emerged triumphant in the –78 kg category. Harrison’s victory made her the first American judoka to win an Olympic gold medal and solidified her place in the history of the sport.
Proving herself to be a true champion, Harrison went on to claim another Olympic gold medal in the same weight class at the 2016 Games in Rio. This time, she defeated her previous adversary, Audrey Tcheuméo of France, establishing herself as a dominant force in the world of judo.
Inspired by her extraordinary success in judo, Harrison made the bold decision to transition into mixed martial arts (MMA) after the 2016 Olympics. She signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and currently competes in the lightweight division. Harrison’s determination and resilience continue to shine through as she takes on new challenges in the world of MMA.
Kayla Harrison’s impact goes beyond her achievements in sports. She is an inspiration to countless individuals, not only for her talent and skill, but also for her bravery in speaking out against abuse. By sharing her story, Harrison has encouraged others to seek justice and support survivors. Her strength and character have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on society.
In recognition of her remarkable career, Kayla Harrison received various accolades and honors. In 2015, she was elected to the United States Judo Federation Hall of Fame. Additionally, following her second Olympic gold medal in 2016, the United States Judo Association made a batsugun promotion, further acknowledging her outstanding achievements in the sport.
Awards:
– Election to the United States Judo Federation Hall of Fame
– Batsugun promotion by the United States Judo Association