Two Gold Medals Later, What's Next for Danvers' Kayla Harrison?

DANVERS, MA — Two gold medals later, Kayla Harrison has left no doubt she's the best at what she does and that's take people down in judo's 78 kg weight class. After capturing her second Olympic gold medal last week, the question many people who are fans and followers of the sport and Harrsion are wondering is what will she do now?

Will she make like her friend Rhonda Rousey and give mixed martial arts a go?

Perhaps.

In an interview with TIME, Harrison said MMA is tempting because of the money and fame that comes with it but is weary of other aspects of the sport.

“In judo, you show up, there’s a draw, you have a tournament and every girl fights and the best one wins. And I think in MMA it’s sort of like they pick fights," she told the magazine.

Last week, Harrison made quick work of her opponents in the 78 kg tournament, decisively and convincingly making her way though four rounds of fights. A move to the octagon could mean big bucks for the Danvers judoka, despite a learning curve that comes with converting to the sport. She would enter as the most decorated American judoka to fight. Currently, that title goes to Rousey, who made the jump after winning a bronze medal at the 2008 games.

Harrison also said she would like to work on raising the profile of her Fearless Foundation. Harrison, a victim of sexual abuse, created the organization as a resource for others that are in the position she once was in. She is currently writing a book on abuse.

Image Credit: US Olympic Committee