Gold medallist Kayla Harrison of the U.S. celebrates during awards ceremony for women's -78kg judo competition at London 2012 Olympic Games
Gold medallist Kayla Harrison of the U.S. celebrates during awards ceremony for women's -78kg judo competition at London 2012 Olympic Games Reuters

Kayla Harrison of the United States won gold on Thursday in the women's 78 kilograms final match for judo against Great Britain's Gemma Gibbons, according to reports.

With her win, Harrison, a victim of sexual abuse as a teenager who took up judo at six years old, became the first U.S. judo player ever to win an Olympic gold medal. Her medal was the U.S.'s second in judo this week after teammate Marti Malloy won a bronze in the women's 57-kilogram division.

"I was just kind of reflecting back on my life and everything it's taken to get here and everything I've gone through," she said. "I'm just so honored to be America's first gold medalist in judo. I'm happy to realize my dream."

The 22-year-old Harrison made the final, winning two via submission and one with a match-ending throw. She beat Gibbons with two yukos, or throws to the side.

Audrey Tcheumeo of France and Mayra Aguiar of Brazil took home bronze.

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