Marblehead Olympic star Harrison talks next steps

Earlier this month in London, Kayla Harrison of Marblehead won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in judo for the U.S. Now she is considering what to do next.Harrison, 22, discussed her future plans – including the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro – in an exclusive interview on Thursday.?Rio definitely is in the cards for me,” Harrison said, adding she plans to start focused training next January.She also said she is “working on” endorsements, adding, “I have a great team around me. My publicist, my agent, my coach and manager Jimmy (Pedro, a former two-time Olympic bronze winner, who was born and raised in Lynn). They have my best interests at heart.”Their goal, she said, is to “capitalize on this amazing moment in my life.”Harrison won all four of her matches in London in the 78 kg category. In the final against hometown favorite Gemma Gibbons of the UK, Harrison had a point taken away from her, and faced a furious onslaught near the end.?I had to grip smart, keep my head in the game and make no crazy mistakes,” she said.When Harrison won 2-0, it was the American atop the podium.?It was, honestly, thus far in my life, the highlight,” Harrison said. “I will never forget it as long as I live. I?m not sure words can do justice.”Harrison trained six days a week for London: judo twice a day, five days of lifting and three days of running. She also has a strength trainer, Paul Soucy of North Andover. Under his program, she would perform 10 to 12 exercises in what she called “the hardest order possible.” These included rope climbing, a heavy bag throw, and farmer?s walks with 60-pound dumbbells.Harrison said that Pedro helped her prepare mentally.?Jimmy and I did a lot of visualization techniques,” she said. “Before I would go to sleep, I would visualize myself winning the Olympics. He helped me get to that point where nothing was going to bug me, (like) a late bus or that I would have to change my gi (uniform).”Pedro runs a dojo, or martial arts studio, in Wakefield. His father, Jim Pedro Sr., is a former Lynn firefighter who once ran a dojo himself.?They?ve changed my life in so many ways,” Harrison said. “It?s hard to tell on paper. It?s hard to find good people in the world. They are genuinely good people.”Harrison praised both Pedros, as well as her teammates and family members, for helping her overcome the abuse she suffered under a former coach in her native Ohio.?It?s something I would not wish on my worst enemy,” she said. “I?m fortunate to say it does not define me. I have a goal, a dream, (something that) pushes me to be a better person. The Pedros, my teammates and family supported me from the very beginning.”In the wake of Harrison?s success, others have recognized her perseverance. Last Friday, she got to ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ stock exchange in Times Square. On Monday, she and fellow New England Olympic medalists were honored at the New England Patriots? exhibition game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Town of Marblehead has planned an event for Sunday, Sept. 23 at Abbot Hall to honor Harrison and two other Olympians with ties to the town: marathoner Shalane Flanagan and rower Sara Hendershot.Harrison also has a wedding to look forward to; she is engaged to Marblehead firefighter Aaron Handy.?He did judo in Ohio, too,” Harrison said. “He took care of me.”With a difficult past behind her, and chances for further success up ahead, perhaps this is a good time for Harrison to reflect on her recent, historic achievements.?It?s extremely stressful, competing at a high stage,” she said. “Even though I?m young, I have a lot of experience. I?ve been on the podium at real big tournaments. But no training can prepare you for the Olympic Games.”She added, “I?m not going to lie. It?s tough, stressful. But it?s all worth it in the end.”Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].