Judoka

    Ever heard of the Fearless Foundation?


    Kayla Harrison won Gold in her class in Judo, in the London Games, in 2012.


    She returned to the Olympics in Rio, hoping to defend her title, as all Olympic champions would. Harrison competes in the 78kg class, equal to just under 172 pounds.  For women, this is about as heavy as the competition gets.

   Based on seeding, Harrison had a first round bye, and fought Zhehui Zhang of China, and won on an ippon.  An ippon by definition is a "perfectly executed technique", and results in a match score of 100- 0.  Following that elimination Round of 16 match, she took on Abigel Joo, of Hungary, and won, 100-0, on an ippon.  On to the semi-finals.


   Facing Anamari Velensek of Slovenia, Harrison won the match.....100-0, on an ippon.


   Sensing a trend?


   I think the reason I have an affinity for this fighter is because her best move is an arm bar.  I've nearly perfected my bar arm, but that's different. 


   In yesterday's Gold medal match, Harrison fought Audrey Tcheumeo of France, the second-ranked judoka in the world in her class.  Harrison won the match with six seconds remaining - on an ippon.


   But it all might not have happened.


   After the London Games, Harrison created the Fearless Foundation, a nonprofit that works to aid victims of sexual abuse through education and sports.  Following an attack as a teen by a former coach, Harrison was close to giving up sports - and found judo to be a place where she belonged, and could excel.


   Congratulations to Kayla Harrison, two-time Olympic champion.  Thank you to Kayla Harrison, helper and hero.