THE last time Kayla Harrison stepped on the judo mat that covers the floor of the Kendal Dojo she became the first American to win a Judo Gold Olympic Medal.
Stepping back on to the mat at Kendal Judo Club’s 28th Annual Winter Training Camp, the 24-year-old said: “It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and gave me goosebumps all over.”
Harrison, from Middletown, Ohio, was joined by her opponent in the London ExCel Centre that day, Gemma Gibbons, and was among the 80 plus international judo players at the training session.
The club has been running the Winter Training Camp since 1987 and has attracted top players, including World, Olympic, Commonwealth, European and British champions throughout that time.
This year’s event, which began on Saturday and ends today (Tuesday), was no exception with players from America, Sweden, South Africa, Australia, and Scotland as well as England and Wales taking part in what is considered one of the hardest camps of the year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here