12-year-old judo star from Rocky Mount has sights set on Olympics

Harris won the national and international judo championships held in the U.S. this year, and now he’s preparing to compete with Team USA at the Pan American championships. His family is trying to raise money to afford the trip and help Judah’s judo career keep thriving.

Harris has spent the past three years winning state and national championships, and he now has his eyes set on international competition and then the Olympics in 2028.

Judah showed us his decorated list of accomplishments, trophies and medals, which he's understandably proud of. He's competed since the second grade against competition from New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

The journey started in 2016 and by age 9, Judah was traveling the country, garnering praise from other athletes.

"It makes me feel great and I've got to push myself to be better," said Judah. "It makes me feel great, just because I thought it wouldn’t be like this. And I’m making accomplishments now."

However, he also wants to represent the community in a positive light.

"I tell Judah, we don’t rely on sports, we use this to help us become good, model citizens and help create for other people in the community," said Judah's father, Jules Harris.

Jules said his son can be mild-mannered and soft-spoken at times, but he turns into a leader out on the mat, where the competitive fire comes through.

"He doesn’t speak a lot, but when you get him on the mat...he’s a different animal," said Jules. "I don’t have to push him. He pushes himself, and he’s like 'I’m going to be great.'"

The pair now have their sights on international competition with the Pan American Games at the Dominican Republic. With the trip expected to cost more than $6,000, the family is asking the community for help.

For Judah, the trip is a stepping stone to a greater goal. He knows what's coming next for him.

"I'm going to go to the Olympics in 2028," he said.