UFC fighter Kayla Harrison, a Parkland resident, reflects on her historic gold medals in judo

With the Paris Olympics now underway, UFC MMA fighter Kayla Harrison, who trains and lives in South Florida, reminisces on her historic Olympic journey, which saw her become the first U.S. athlete in judo to win an Olympic gold medal, and she did it twice.

Harrison won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London and then repeated that effort in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. She is currently residing in (South Florida) Parkland with her two kids -- her niece and nephew which she adopted. She trains nearby at the award-winning American Top Team.

Here is Part 1 of my video interview with Olympic champion and MMA champion Kayla Harrison. She discusses her Olympic experience, the opening ceremonies, UFC, PFL, ATT, Her Kids, Cyndi Lauper and more.

After her judo career, she transitioned to MMA. Harrison became the face of PFL MMA where she won the PFL title twice and was a finalist three times. In PFL, there is a regular season and playoff format, with each champion earning $1-million. That makes her a $2-millionaire. After dominating PFL, she signed with UFC, the top MMA promotion in the world,

In her UFC debut at the historic UFC 300 in April in Las Vegas, Harrison defeated former UFC champ Holly Holm by a rear-naked chokehold in the second round, improving her record to 17-1.

At American Top Team, Harrison is trained by a bevy of outstanding coaches including Mike Brown (MMA), Anderson Franca (striking), Steve Mocco (wrestling) and Conan Silveira (Head Coach).

ATT is a six-time Gym of the Year as deemed by “Fighters Only” magazine at the World MMA Awards. Away from the cage/mat, Harrison appeared twice on “Impractical Jokers,” a hit hidden camera comedy and reality TV show.

A fighter in and out of the octagon

Here is Part 2 of my 1-on-1 video interview with Kayla Harrison. She discusses the Olympics, USA, Helping Others, UFC Debut, Holly Holm, Weight Cut, ATT and more.

Harrison, 34, is a fighter in the truest sense. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, generosity, and humility. As a survivor of abuse by her former childhood judo coach, it’s become her personal mission to shine a light on the darkness of that physical and psychological trauma. She was inspired to author “Fighting Back” to share her story and further educate parents/adults on how to recognize and prevent child abuse as well as provide resources to help abused children recover and heal.

Her Fearless Foundation (https://www.fearlessfoundation.org/) also shines a light on the darkness that is child sexual abuse. Through education and sport, the foundation strives to enrich the lives of survivors, transforming their lives and the world we share.

Harrison’s efforts, story helping others

At age 16, Harrison revealed she had been for years sexually abused by her coach. After the story came to light, Harrison moved from Middletown, Ohio to Boston, Massachusetts to train with Jimmy Pedro, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and his father Jim Pedro Sr.

The Pedros not only became Harrison’s coaches but also her surrogate family. When she arrived in Massachusetts, she entertained suicide, was depressed, hated judo and wanted to run away. Through discipline, tenacity and the support of others, she fought through the pain on and off the mat, transforming herself into a strong, confident, articulate young woman who also is a world-class athlete.

She also summoned the courage to face her abuser, delivering a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing in Federal Court in Ohio. She uses her Gold Medal profile, voice and example to encourage and empower others.

Harrison created the Fearless Foundation. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Doc Wayne, an organization that provides sports-based therapy for at-risk youth, and uses her voice on behalf of countless organizations dedicated to protecting children and women.

Harrison was awarded the 2012 OC Tanner Inspiration Award, The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Wilma Rudolph Courage Award; was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year for 2012, Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonian of the Year, and the Boston Sportswriter’s Association Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the US Judo Federation Hall of Fame, New York Athletic Club Hall of Fame and the Middletown High School Hall of Fame.