Recently the only American Judo Olympic Gold Winner in history delivered an emotional speech detailing her breakup with judo.
But after receiving the attention from many media outlets accross the web she’s had to clarify some things from her emotional speech. She wrote:
Judoka-
I want to take a moment and bring some clarity. I have some regret in my
Emotional moment and wish to clarify.What I failed to mention in my emotional moment was that I also powered through a corrupt organization and leader for many years. I regret not saying that Saturday night. I also regret taking away the spotlight from our para Olympians and for hurting anyone currently competings feelings. My speech was meant to make judo Better for our next Olympic champion. And to say goodbye to a sport that I have loved for a very long time.
A lot went into deciding to speak out. I didn’t want to and up until the last minute I wasn’t going to. I just felt as if I could no longer silently say thank you and just walk away. I wanted the judo community to know I am hurt and that our future will be hurt if changes are not made. I understand the new board and the new leadership is going to work hard to make changes. I hope that they succeed. I want nothing but the best for judo. I always have and have always fought my hardest and advocated my hardest to make that possible. But as I said- it gets to a point where I can’t sit back and watch what I believe to be big mistakes be made.
This is what my heart says and what I felt I had to do. I wish I had had the insight to not ruin people who I admired evenings.
And as for being asked to leave the mat- it was a small moment in a long long list of experiences and I regret mentioning it. I am not above anyone nor do I think I should be. But I am human and many who know me would agree a very emotional one at times. There was nothing wrong with what the volunteer did but when they said, “I know who you are and you need to get behind the barrier”… I will admit I was hurt. I only want to help. Truly. But I apologize to those trying to make our sport great and safe. I should have had a badge.My door will always be open to those who love judo. And my heart as well.
Thank you again, for everything.
Kayla
Watch The Olympic Journey Of Judo Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison
