Kudos pour in for Kayla Harrison

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Kudos were pouring in Thursday evening for Middletown native Kayla Harrison who won a gold medal for judo at the Olympic Games in London.

Area politicians were lining up to send their congratulations.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown said, "It's a tribute to them and their families the incredible discipline these young Olympians have. Congratulations to her and her family."

Speaker of the House, Rep. John Boehner, shared his congratulations on the floor of the United States Congress. He said, "Let me just say congratulations to Kayla Harrison a native of Middletown, Ohio who just won a gold medal in the female judo competition. She's the first American woman to ever win a gold medal in judo and she made our country and our community proud today. Congratulations."

Congressmen Mike Turner congratulated Kayla at the same time he joined members of the House and Senate in sponsoring legislation which would eliminate the tax on Olympic medals won by U.S. athletes.

“I’d like to congratulate Kayla on this tremendous accomplishment. Her hard work and determination will be an enduring example to both members of our community and our nation as a whole. As the first American, man or woman, to ever win a gold medal in judo she has earned a place in sports history,” said Turner.

Olympic athletes must pay taxes on their Olympic medals and prizes because the U.S. imposes taxes on worldwide income earned overseas.

The proposed legislation would exempt U.S. Olympic athletes from having to pay taxes on the medals and awards they win competing on behalf of the U.S. in the Olympics.

“Our hero-athletes should be greeted with applause and cheers when returning home, not a tax bill. After years of preparation and expense to win an Olympic medal, the last thing Americans competing on behalf of their nation need is the additional burden of paying Uncle Sam for their success,” added Turner.