(USA Judo, Tokyo, Japan) – On Thursday, 20-year-old Kayla Harrison (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE) made history by becoming the first U.S. player to win a World Championship title since 1999.
USA Judo is pleased to announce that Harrison’s gold medal efforts will be rewarded with at least $21,000 in cash prize money. After receiving her gold medal on Thursday, Harrison was presented with a check for $6,000 from the International Judo Federation. In addition, USA Judo and the U.S. Olympic Committee each will award Harrison $5,000. The American Judo Fund also has pledged to contribute $5,000.
“Winning an Olympic Medal today in the Olympic Games in our sport is only possible through a thoughtful and well executed training plan. The financial commitment is staggering,” said USA Judo President Lance Nading (Denver, Colo.) “On average, medal hopefuls from around the world receive in excess of $100,000 per year in training, coaching, medical and living support expenses. That amount or more is just the financial commitment it takes to have a shot at winning.”
Now here’s where you come in. USA Judo is pleased to announce that any donations to Harrison’s prize fund, up to a maximum of $5,000 will be matched by USA Judo. This effort was begun by the USA Judo Board of Directors, including Nading and Noboru Saito (Clawson, Mich.) who each contributed $100 to the fund. USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez (Colorado Springs, Colo.) also contributed $100… more>
Konan Judo 
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