Bankok, Thailand Kayla Harrison of Pedro's Judo Center in Wakefield went 5-0 to win gold at the Junior Worlds. Harrison is only the third American ever to win this prestigious title. Harrison matched PJC teammate Ronda Rousey's 2004 performance where Rousey also went 5-0 to win gold. Kayla's gold is the third consecutive Junior World medal for Pedro's Judo Center. The Junior Worlds is the 3rd largest event on the planet next to the Olympics and Senior World Championships. History shows that many of the athletes who win medals at the Junior World Championships go on to medal at the Senior Worlds and Olympics.
Harrison started her day by beating Steffani Lupetti of Brazil by Wazari (1/2 point). Next up for Kayla was an important match with Katarzyna Furmanek (POL). This was a must win match for Harrison as new rules only allow players who advance to the quarter-final to continue in the tournament. Harrison threw the Polish player for a full point at the 1:45 mark in the match. Kayla's quarter-final opponent was Nino Odzelashvili of Georgia. Harrison dispatched of the Georgian player in just 26 seconds throwing her for Wazari and then again for Ippon (full point). Harrison squared off against Ruika Sato of Japan in the Semi-final which she won by yuko (quarter point). This win sent Harrison to the gold medal match with European Champion Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA). This was Harrison's second meeting with Tcheumeo as Kayla had previously beaten the French woman in February at the Belgian Open in Arlon Belgium.
Harrison showed no signs of nerves in the gold medal match as she took it to the Frenchwoman scoring yuko early on and winning the match by ippon at the 2:32 mark.
The Junior Worlds which were once held every other year will now be held annually giving 18 year old Harrison a chance to defend her title and become the first American ever to be crowned double Junior World Champion.
