In a recent article by Paul Battison for BBC Sport, the renowned mixed martial artist and double Olympic gold medallist, Kayla Harrison, spoke openly and powerfully about her past experiences of sexual abuse, urging young victims to find the strength to speak out. Harrison, who joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in January 2024, is determined to use her platform to raise awareness regarding child sexual abuse and provide hope to those who have suffered similar traumas.
Harrison’s powerful message for young victims has echoes of resilience and promise. “There is a shiny gold medal at the end of the tunnel. There is a UFC belt at the end of the tunnel – but you have to say something and we have to keep talking about it,” she passionately articulated. Her advocacy stems from a painful chapter in her own life, during which she was abused by her judo coach as a child. After her mother reported the incident, the perpetrator was apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years behind bars. This harrowing experience not only shaped Harrison’s life but ignited her mission to use her voice to inspire others.
As a decorated athlete, Harrison has transitioned successfully from judo to mixed martial arts, bringing with her a wealth of accolades, including two championships from the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Her achievements provide her with a significant platform to advocate for victims of sexual abuse, a responsibility she fully embraces. She published a book in 2018 aimed at educating parents on recognizing the signs of grooming, thus enabling them to take preventive measures against potential abuse.
Looking ahead in her career, Harrison has a monumental fight scheduled against Julianna Pena for the bantamweight title at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey. Harrison is keenly aware of her newfound influence. “I’m no longer that 10-year-old girl, that 16-year-old girl. I’m an adult now and I feel God gave me this story for a reason, and it’s my job to use it to make the world a better place,” she stated, reinforcing her commitment to doing so. Harrison emphasizes that no child should ever feel alone in their pain, declaring, “There is hope.”
Harrison’s deep connection to her family serves as a reminder of the motivations that drive her. She highlights that her journey goes beyond the accolades she has accumulated; it is about the love and support she provides as a guardian to her adopted niece and nephew. “My kids have taught me there’s so much more to life than gold medals and trophies,” she expressed, revealing that her Olympic medals now reside in her sock drawer. For her, the things that truly matter are the moments spent as a mother, which provide her a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends athletic glory.
The upcoming fight against Pena is not just another bout for Harrison; it’s an opportunity to solidify her legacy as a champion in and out of the ring. To her, winning the UFC title signifies so much more than personal triumph – it represents a vehicle through which she can amplify the importance of speaking out about abuse, all the while serving as a beacon of hope for those who may feel lost or victimized.
Harrison’s journey from a childhood marred by trauma to becoming a champion athlete and an advocate stands as a testament to her strength, determination, and the power of using one’s voice to affect change. As she prepares for her championship bout, her story continues to resonate and inspire, reminding us all that hope and resilience can emerge even from the darkest of places.