Answers with Kayla Harrison

Answer 1

You started practicing judo at a very young age. What drew you towards the sport?

My mother took judo in college, so when I was a young girl she wanted me to learn self defense and have a little bit more discipline in my life. I ended up falling in love with it from the first day. Everything about it from the culture (bowing, etc.) to learning how to throw people really amazed me.

Answer 2

If you weren't a judoka now, what would you be?

Good question- I'm not sure! I love kids and teaching them judo and I love reading and writing so perhaps I would combine the two and become an English teacher.

Answer 3

How did it feel to win the Junior World Championship in 2008?

That was really my first major international win and it came right after watching the 2008 Olympics in Beijing so for me it was a huge moment! I was so excited but it wasn't until I flew home and had all of my close friends, teammates and the local news waiting for me in arrivals that I knew what a big deal it was! I will never forget that moment and feeling like I was the best in the world. It's what kept me hungry and working hard for London; there is no greater feeling than being on top of the podium.

Answer 4

After winning the Junior World Championship, you scaled up the ladder and won the Senior World Championship in 2010. Did you ever imagine you would win at the senior level at such a young age?

I definitely expected it of myself. In fact, in 2009 when I didn't win or even place at the Senior World Championship I was devastated. In my mind I said to myself, 'OK I've won the Junior Worlds now it's time to go win the Senior Worlds'. It took another year of gaining momentum and confidence in my judo before I was really ready for that platform. Success breeds success, that's for sure.

Answer 5

Your star kept growing in 2012, when you became the first American ever to win gold in Judo. What did you feel when you reached your ultimate goal?

Honestly, I talk about it all the time and it's a hard thing to put into words. Just being an Olympian for the US is a huge honor. To go and win a gold medal was my dream come true. BUT to go and win and be the first for my country to win?! It's like my life is a dream. I have made history and no one can ever take that away from me. I'm very blessed to live the life I live.

Answer 6

After winning Gold, how do you keep yourself motivated to stay at the top of the Judo world?

I think it's just my nature. I'm a born fighter and competitor. I'm still that little kid that races to the car door for front seat! Haha! I feel like I have a lot left to prove and I'm not quite done with the judo world. If I can walk away having secured a legacy, and make myself one of the best of all time, not just in America but in the world, then I will be satisfied.

Answer 7

The world knows your amazing trajectory as a judoka, but soon you'll show the world a different side of you when you portray Rusty Kanokogi in the indie movie Don't Call me Sir!. What can you tell us about this project?

I can't tell you how excited I am to be portraying one of my real life heroes in a movie about her life! Rusty was and is a huge inspiration to not just me but millions of judoka and women worldwide. To know that she is the reason I was able to climb on top of that podium in London and to know that I will be able to help share her story with the world; well it's just an amazing honor and I feel it's my chance to help her legacy live on.

Answer 8

How much has Rusty Kanokogi inspired you?

Rusty began her judo journey in a time when women were hardly allowed to leave the kitchen, let alone grapple with sweaty men. Everything in her life was not a given, not a right like in mine. I sometimes take for granted the fact that I have the opportunities that I have. In this day and age, I am an equal to men, but it wasn't so in her time. So I cannot even begin to imagine her strength, her courage, and her refusal to take no as an answer. When I am having a bad day or a bad moment, I think of her and how hard she fought for my right to have a bad day and I suddenly don't feel so sorry for myself. She has enabled me to be the best possible version of myself.

Answer 9

Did you ever get to meet Rusty Kanokogi?

I did! I met Rusty several times before she passed away, although she was ill at the time I had no idea she was such a fireball! She actually helped me receive funding for training and competing when I was still a young and up and coming athlete... she believed in me before I even believed in myself.

Answer 10

How are you preparing for the role? Are you taking acting lessons?

Not yet! I have the world championships coming up in a month and after that competition. Bo and I plan to sit down to discuss how best to begin this acting career of mine!