Kayla Harrison, the U.S.’s only Olympic Gold medalist in Judo will be speaking at Assumption college on February 25 at 4 p.m. at Hagan Hall, located at 500 Salisbury Street. The event is free and open to the public.
“Kayla Harrison has reached the highest level of accomplishments in judo but it is her personal struggle against sexual abuse that is to be admired, and how she transformed herself into a competitive world-class athlete. This will be an extremely beneficial lesson and opportunity for current students to hear from Kayla,” said Eric Drouart, MBA director and business studies professor at Assumption College.
During her speech, Harrison will discuss her experience as a top athlete, her commitment to the sport of judo, and her fight and engagement against sexual abuse. She will also offer advice to all students with dreams of success in their careers.
The Success Kayla Harrison
Harrison began judo at the age of six. As a teenager, she distinguished herself as one of the top junior players in the country. Among other national titles, she won the junior U.S. Open in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
She was a two-time U.S. Senior National Champion before turning 18 and became only the third American to win the Junior World Championships in 2008.
Since 2008, Harrison has been on a world podium ever year, and was Olympic Champion in 2012.
The Struggle
At age 16, Harrison revealed that she had been sexually abused by her coach.
After the story came out, Harrison moved from Ohio to Massachusetts to train with Jimmy Pedro, a two time Olympic Bronze medalist and his father Jim Pedro, Sr. The Pedros became her coaches and surrogate family.
When she arrived in Massachusetts, she entertained suicide, was depressed, hated judo and wanted to run away.
However, through discipline, tenacity, and the support of others she overcame it and developed into a world class athlete.
The Fearless Foundation
Harrison created the Fearless Foundation to shine a light on the darkness that is child sexual abuse and to enrich the lives of survivors through education and sport, leading survivors to mastery and enabling them to flourish in all aspects of life.
Assumption College
Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption in Worcester, Mass., Assumption College offers undergraduate students 42 majors and 48 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies; as well as master’s and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs—each through an educational experience that grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition.
Courtesy of: Go Local Worcester