Kayla Harrison: The best do more than the rest

Kayla Harrison, of course everybody know who she is, so we don't need to introuduce her too much. This week Kayla spoke with us about her life, what characteristics are the best for judoka, her opinion about MMA. Kayla thanks ! Enjoy in the interview with Kayla Harrison (USA), London 2012 Olympic Champion.

How’s life after the 2 years of big success and fame?

Life is good! Everyday I wake up and can't believe how lucky I am to have my dreams come true. I am a truly blessed individual. 

How hard is getting back from a nice period? Did you count on the setbacks?

No one plans on life after the rainbow… you always just think the rainbow will take care of everything, but of course thats is not the way of life. It has been…a challenge. I am recovering from reconstructive knee surgery which was definitely not in the plans. BUT- there is always a silver lining. This time off has given me a new hunger and drive to succeed. I am motivated again. And it has also given me an opportunity to work on things that have always been second to judo. I am in school! I am starting a foundation, and writing a book, so life is good. 

You are now 10 years international, but just 23, never board of travelling? Never wanted a "normal" life?

Mmm… what is normal?! Haha… sometimes I wish I knew. I also get sad when I travel so much around holidays. There are so many things I want to do. Go on a vacation… and not bring a gi is a big one! But at the end of the day, I love what I do. Not many people can say they get to wake up everyday and do what they love and for me, I get to go all over the world to do it. One morning I wake up in Tokyo and the next its Paris! Such an amazing life I live. I will do it as long as the passion remains, and then… a vacation! :) 

So what is the good part of being an athlete?

There are so many great things about being an athlete. The biggest to me is the responsibility and honor of being a role model to people all around my country and in some cases the world. Knowing that I may help inspire someone is a huge motivator to me. Because I do judo and am an athlete, I can make a difference… what could be better than that?! 

Do you have a motto?

I have several. My own personal one is this, “This is my day, this is my purpose. I’m not afraid to win.” I would say that to myself at every competition and every night when I was visualizing winning in London. 

I also say these to myself often:

“The best do more than the rest”

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

My biggest philosophy on life though is this, we are truly happiest when we wake up everyday and live with passion… no matter what it is, live to your potential. 

Besides you Olympic and world title, what did you find most the precious result?

Mmm… that’s tough. I don’t “count trophies” so to speak but a big moment for me was the 2012 Paris Grand Slam Semi-Finals. I fought Ogata of Japan and had never beaten her. She was the biggest obstacle in my mind to winning the Olympics and so I went out there and said hold nothing back. I ended up throwing her for 3 yukos and 2 wazaris, dominating the entire match. And although I went on to lose in the final to Mayra Aguiar, I knew then that I could beat anyone in front of me. It was a big moment for my climb to the top in London. 

Do you have any superstitions for yourself?

I don’t know if you call them superstitions, but I am definitely a creature of habit. I always listen to the same music, wear the same clothes, warm up the same way, etc. on competition day. I have my routine, and it works so why mess with success?! 

What characteristics do you think athletes should have to succeed?

I think the two biggest assets an athlete can have are heart and mental toughness. Without heart, you can be the greatest athlete in the world and it won’t matter. Similarly, without mental toughness an athletes ability to overcome adversity would not exist and as athletes one thing is for certain, we will all have to overcome something at some point. Is it how we overcome that defines us… as athletes, but more importantly, as people. 

You were planning to make your international comeback earlier, what happened in between?

As I said earlier, I had to have complete reconstruction of my knee done.  A minor setback is all ;0)

Are you still planning to get back in U70kg, or stay in the U78?

At this point… I am just focusing on getting back on the mat as soon as possible. I am keeping a close eye on both weight classes and will make my decision with my coaches when the time comes. 

Who do you see as the main competitors in both weight classes.

Of course in -78 the usual suspects, Mayra, Audrey, Ogata, Gemma, etc. There are a lot of young up and comers though who I will be on the lookout for! 

And for -70 Alvear, Polling, Zupancic, etc. are all on  my radar. 

Who impressed you most the last year?

Alvear. She continues to dominate and surprise the world (not me though). She is one of the only top girls I had a chance to get my hands on before my injury and I told my coach then that she would win the worlds. She is an inspiring, respectful champion. I greatly admire her. 

Who in the men’s category do you like; in terms of style?

Mmm… There are so many! I love watching the Russian men compete…they are so dynamic! And Illiadis is of course always a thrill. Lipertelliani also always impresses me. Hmmm, also Krpalek I think has great potential. 

Did you world and Olympic title get youngsters to judo? Did US Judo get more members because of you/Marti etc..

Yes and no. I think there was definitely a surge in interest for judo but it is difficult for the structure of USA Judo to contain a huge influx of new members. In the US, there is not a dojo on every street corner or in every school like in Japan or Brazil…and our society is one of instant gratification. Parents don’t have time to drive there kids 40 minutes to a judo class twice a week when they can drive them five minutes for baseball or basketball etc. The interest is there, but we have a Long way to go before we get to where we want and should be. A powerhouse in judo. 

You’re not stepping up to MMA are you?

Not at this time, no. 

Ronda is the perfect example for a judoka to go for MMA, but why shouldn’t judoka switch?

I think its a very tough transition for judoka. All our lives we are taught the culture of judo; respect, discipline, respect. Judo is a martial art but it is also a sport that can be taken to the highest level- the Olympics. MMA is an entertainment…its about entertaining people at all costs and that is a difficult philosophy for judoka to grasp I think. 

What is it that MMA is so popular and what are the good elements that could be included into judo?

Money. MMA has lots of money. In the US, judo has a very limited budget. 

Also- media. MMA has become a household term- why? Because its everywhere in the news, on the tv, on billboards. You want to grow something… find a face for it and market it to the mainstream media. It takes money though… a tough catch-22. You have to market to make money but you need to market to make money! 

What do you think of the developments in judo (both negative and positive developments)

I think judo is a constantly evolving dynamic sport. Its fabulous. It is difficult and somewhat frustrating as an athlete to be constantly adapting, but its a price you pay to play the game. 

What judo sites do you like and how often are you online and busy with keeping track on the world of judo?

The IJF sends me my updates to my email right now! Haha but also I am always on Twitter or Facebook looking to see how the judo world is evolving. 

What are your goals for 2014?

To succesfully return to the mat and climb back to the top of the ranks. I would ideally, like to win the world championships… I’m due for another trip to the top of the podium… and I will be working very hard to make that goal a reality.  ;0)