Pats are latest to honor Harrison

When the New England Patriots played host to the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Monday, they also welcomed a local star from another sport.Kayla Harrison of Marblehead, who became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo earlier this month at the London Summer Games, attended the Patriots game with fellow Olympian Travis Stevens. Both train at the Wakefield dojo (judo studio) of Jimmy Pedro, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist. Pedro coached Team USA this year, and his family has Lynn roots.Also present at the Patriots game were other Olympic medalists from New England, including Aly Raisman of Needham, who won two gold medals and a bronze in gymnastics.Pedro said that “Kayla and all of the New England Olympians” got invites to watch the game from the box suite of Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Pedro also said that the Patriots would bring the Olympians onto the field and celebrate their success in London.Other Olympian medalists honored included swimmer Elizabeth Beisel of Rhode Island (who earned a silver and a bronze) and women’s basketball team member Asjha Jones (whose team won gold).Harrison won Olympic gold in the 78 kg category. Stevens finished fifth in the 81 kg category at the Summer Games.Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].