Hometown girl brings home gold

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WDTN) - People all over Middletown celebrated as hometown girl Kayla Harrison became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in Judo.

"It was awesome to see her pretty much dominate in her event. it was really exciting to watch," says Matt Greene.

A group of people watched the match live at Fricker's.  Butch Sauer says it brought tears to his eyes.

"She's a Middletown girl and she' gone through a lot in her life with her ex-coach. It's something she worked very hard for and I just respect things like that," explains Sauer.

Over at Middletown High School, Principal Carmela Cotter says Kayla is a role model for students, "Kayla was always just so focused so positive. So, really completely knew who she is and what she wanted to do. I think that that kind of spirit breeds that success."

Kayla's Former Guidance Counselor helped her set up online classes so she could continue her studies while she competed worldwide. She couldn't contain her excitement over the historic moment.

"We take such pride when we have someone walk out our door that's been here that can be that successful in life and can be so persevering and that dedicated. We're just very proud to call her our own," comments Meg Gooch.