Harrison Wins National Championship; Sets Sights on Rio
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) April 12, 2016 -- Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, the world #1 judoka, claimed her ninth US National title today in Dallas at the US National Championships with a perfect 3-0 round robin record including a final round win over Alyssa Zawack by Ippon with Koshi Guruma. Harrison will now set her sights on defending her Olympic title in Rio on August 11.
“Winning the national championship means a lot to me”, said Harrison. “It is always an honor to stand on the podium representing the United States. This event gave me some momentum as I go into final preparations for the Olympics.”
Harrison, who has qualified for the Rio Games by virtue of her International Judo Federation number one world ranking, will return immediately to her Wakefield, MA training base for a two week training camp before events in Cuba, Mexico and Hungary leading into Rio.
“We are only about 100 days away from leaving for the Games”, added Harrison. “The next several weeks will be important for me and our entire team. I am looking forward to some intense training.”
USA Judo CEO Jose Rodriguez was on hand to watch as Ms. Harrison won the title. “Kayla’s dominance in the sport over the last six years has been fantastic for her and for USA Judo. It has been exciting to see her growth as an athlete and champion. We wish her the best of luck as she heads to Rio as a nine time National Champion.”
Ms. Harrison next competes at the Pan Am Championships in Cuba from April 29-May 1.
Follow Kayla’s progress on the “Road to Rio” via Twitter @Judo_Kayla or Facebook KaylaHarrisonJudo.
For information on the Fuji by Kayla clothing line go to http://www.hatashitasports.com
Press Contact: Jenn Jennings (jennproductions(at)gmail(dot)com) or StarGames (781-224- 9655)
Cara Fasciani, USA JUDO, http://www.teamusa.org/usa-judo, +1 954-552-1067, [email protected]
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