Biography & Career Of Kayla Harrison

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Biography & Career Of Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison, a former Olympic and world champion judoka, has transitioned to become an American mixed martial artist and is currently associated with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

In her judo career, Harrison excelled in the 78 kg (172 lb) weight division. She achieved remarkable success by winning gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games, as well as the 2010 World Judo Championships.

Who is Kayla Harrison?

Kayla Harrison is a renowned figure in the world of martial arts, particularly known as the USA’s first Olympic gold medalist judoka and a popular MMA fighter. With an impressive track record in both judo and mixed martial arts, she has solidified her status as one of the most accomplished athletes in her field.

Kayla Harrison has made significant strides in the world of combat sports, gaining recognition for her exceptional skills and accomplishments. From her early beginnings in judo to her transition into MMA, Kayla’s journey has been one marked by determination, resilience, and success.

Kayla Harrison Early Life and Background

Kayla Harrison was born on July 2, 1990, in Middletown, Ohio, in the United States. Her birth name is Kayla Jean Harrison. With American nationality and White ethnicity, she was born under the zodiac sign of Cancer. Kayla’s introduction to the world of judo came at a young age of 6 when her mother, Jeannie Yazell, who was also a black-belt judoka, introduced her to the sport. Despite the promising start to her judo journey, her path was marred by a dark incident of sexual abuse at the hands of her coach, Daniel Doyle. The abuse led to Doyle’s conviction and a ten-year prison term.

Kayla Harrison Parents

Throughout her life and career, Kayla has drawn strength and support from her family. Her father, Kenny Harrison, and her mother played significant roles in her development as an athlete. The unwavering support from her loved ones has fueled her success and served as a pillar of strength during challenging times.

Kayla Harrison’s Children

There are no specific details available about Kayla Harrison’s children. However, in 2020 tragedy struck Kayla’s family when her stepfather, who had custody of her niece Kyla and nephew Emery, suddenly passed away. As a result, Kayla Harrison acquired full custody of the children.

Kayla Harrison Championships and Achievements

Kayla Harrison’s journey in judo has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has consistently showcased her prowess on the mat and made history with her achievements. Notably, she changed her weight classes from the 63-78 kg division, which prevented her from competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Despite this setback, Kayla went on to win the “Junior World Championship” in 2008, becoming the first American to compete in two Junior World Championships finals.

Her breakthrough moment arrived in 2010 when she clinched a gold medal at the “World Judo Championships.” This victory marked a significant milestone as she became the first American to achieve this feat since 1999. However, it was at the 2012 Olympic Games in London where she etched her name in history books. Kayla Harrison emerged victorious, winning the Olympic gold medal in judo and becoming the first American to achieve this feat.

She continued to dominate the Olympic stage by securing her second consecutive gold medal in judo at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Alongside her Olympic success, she was also promoted to the rank of Roku dan (6th Degree Black Belt) by the USJA, making her the youngest person in the US to receive this honor.

Kayla Harrison Career in MMA

Kayla Harrison’s exceptional talent and determination led her to explore new horizons in mixed martial arts (MMA). In 2016, she signed with the “World Series of Fighting” (now known as the Professional Fighters League – PFL). Her MMA debut took place on June 21, 2018, at PFL 2, where she competed against Brittney Elkin in the Women’s Lightweight division.

Since then, Kayla has showcased her skills and tenacity in various MMA fights. Her notable victories include a win against Morgan Frier at PFL 4 in 2019 and a triumph over Mariana Morais at PFL 3 in 2021. With an impressive record of 15 wins and 1 loss in her professional MMA career, Kayla Harrison has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts.

Kayla Harrison Husband

Kayla Harrison’s personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her romantic relationships. Currently, she is dating fellow American Top Team fighter and former UFC fighter, Anthony Martin. The couple has been together since 2019, and their relationship has been going strong. However, before her relationship with Anthony Martin, Kayla was engaged to Aaron Hardy, a black belt in Judo and a firefighter. The engagement ended before they tied the knot.

Kayla Harrison Net Worth

Kayla Harrison’s dedication and success in the world of combat sports have translated into significant financial rewards. As of 2023, she has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Much of her wealth stems from her judo matches and her association with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Kayla has also secured sponsorship deals with brands such as Hatashita Sports, Fuji Sports, and Celsius Energy Drink. Additionally, she generates income through the sale of her personal merchandise, including apparel like T-shirts, headbands, and sportswear.

Fearless Foundation and Charity Work

Beyond her achievements in combat sports, Kayla Harrison is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. She runs her own charity organization called the Fearless Foundation, which aims to protect children from sexual abuse and empower them through sports. Through this foundation, Kayla is actively involved in raising awareness and providing support to survivors of abuse, promoting healing and growth through athletic pursuits.

Physical Attributes: How tall is Kayla Harrison?

Kayla Harrison possesses a remarkable physical presence that complements her exceptional skills. She stands tall with a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) and maintains a well-toned and athletic body. With a weight of 70 kg, she demonstrates the strength and agility required for combat sports. Her fair complexion, blonde hair, and brown eyes contribute to her overall captivating appearance.

Trivia About Kayla Harrison

1. Kayla Harrison overcame the traumatic experience of being sexually abused by her coach, Daniel Doyle, during her teenage years.

2. In 2012, she was honored as one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year.

3. Kayla Jean Harrison is her birth name.

4. Her transition to mixed martial arts occurred after the 2016 Olympics.

5. She made guest appearances on popular television shows like “Impractical Jokers” and “Flea Market Flip.”