Kayla Harrison: First American to Win Judo Gold (VIDEO)

Kayla Harrison made Olympic history Thursday when she won the gold medal in women’s 78-kilogram judo.

Harrison, who is ranked NO. 4 in the world, defeated Britain’s Gemma Gibbons to take first place.

Harrison earlier defeated top-ranked Brazilian Mayra Aguiar in the semifinals Thursday, and, earlier, Hungarian Abigel Joo on the mat. Harrison is the first American-born athlete – male or female – to ever have a chance at Olympic gold, and is the most decorated American in the sport. Her medal is the U.S.’s second in judo this week;  teammate Marti Malloy won a bronze in the women’s 57-kilogram division.

“I would be the first,” Harrison recently told genConnect of her historic attempt to be Judo’s first Olympic gold medalist. “I don’t think words can really describe what that would mean to me. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.”

Related: Americans Rock Olympic Beach Volleyball

Watch Harrison’s interview with genConnect below:

WATCH: USA Water Polo Fights for Gold at London Olympics

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Category: Lifestyle, Sports, Videos, Views on the News