Family awaits Olympian's return home

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WDTN) - Kayla Harrison's family watched her make history from their Middletown home to become the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in Judo.

"She's broken a record that no one will ever be able to break," says Kayla's grandmother Rachel Harrison.

Her grandmother says she always knew Kayla was special.

"Kayla can do anything she wants. The world is the limit for her and I think she's going to touch so many lives," explains Rachel.

But Kayla's road to gold wasn't an easy path. She was sexually abused by her former coach, Daniel Doyle when she was just 13-years-old. He's now serving a 10-year prison sentence as a result.

Kayla's stepmother Carolyn Harrison says her current coach was there for her.

"Jimmy Pedro and his dad helped her through that.  And, helped her focus all of that negative energy into this positive result. If I never heard his name again, it would be just fine," says Carolyn.

And Kayla's dad, Kenneth Harrison Junior, says that's why this win means so much more than just a gold medal.

"All she's been through, I could sense that God was right there with her, almost like He was walking with her and guiding her through it and she looked healthy and she looked great and you could just tell it was her time and nobody was going to take it away from her," comments Kenneth.

Kayla's family is now planning for her return home. They've made signs and the City of Middletown has contacted them to try to do something special for their gold medal girl.

Kayla's dad says her ability to make history and triumph over tragedy makes her a role model for everyone.

"She's a perfect example that if you dream and focus, you can accomplish anything," explains Kenneth.

Kayla's family doesn't know when she will be returning to Middletown but they will have a big welcome home party for her.  They also said they don't know if she will compete in the 2016 Olympic Games.