Friends and family celebrate Harrison's Olympic moment

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Kayla Harrison’s friends and family were glued to their TV’s watching her quest for gold on Thursday.

They were full of pride and excitement, and glad to be able to see her shining moment.

There were cheers from friends and family as they watched Kayla Harrison make Olympic history.

“It’s awesome for her and she should be proud of herself," one friend said.

"So proud of her. She has worked so hard for this," said Capt. Betsey Wilson, Marblehead Fire Department.

“She’s amazing. I myself can’t do any of those moves myself at all,” another friend said/

Harrison trained with coach Jimmy Pedro in Wakefield to win the first gold medal for an American judo athlete.

Kayla's fiancé, Marblehead firefighter Aaron Handy, celebrated in the stands.

"You could tell there was love there and excitement there it was great. It was a good picture," a friend said.

So what's next for the local hero? Possibly training for a job with the Marblehead Fire Department, who are already big fans.

"Kayla would be a tremendous addition with or without the medal," Capt. Wilson said.

Kayla's friends aren't sure when she'll return, but they're planning a big blowout and want to decorate her place with their homemade signs.