Riley Mcllwain, who works at the center, said fans wanted to welcome the athletes home because “it’s very important for them to understand just how much support they have here. It’s a family thing and win, lose, or draw, we support them.”’

A group of children who train at Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, the same place as the Olympic athletes, and their parents gathered with flowers and signs to welcome them home.

Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison and silver medalist Travis Stevens made their return to Boston on Wednesday after their triumphs in Rio, drawing cheers from young martial arts enthusiasts who had gone to Logan Airport to greet their heroes.


Mcllwain said many of the children had also gathered at the center to watch as Harrison and Stevens competed in the Games.

Travis Stevens showed his medal to the crowd welcoming him and Kayla Harrison home from the Olympics. David L Ryan/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

“I was a little surprised at how invested all the kids are,” Mcllwain said. “We had between 50 and 75 people watching and they were all yelling, screaming, and cheering.”

Melissa Gentile, of Reading, said her 12-year-old daughter, Audrey, and 9-year-old daughter, Maddie, have worked with Harrison at the center.

“She knows the kids by name. She really takes the time to talk to them,” Gentile said. “The dojo is really a family place.”

Joe Perna, a 13-year-old who also trains at the center, said Harrison will take the time to give each of the kids advice.

“It’s really helpful,” Perna said. “She mentors us and coaches us, and she’ll even sometimes teach a class.”

As soon as Harrison saw the crowd, she rushed to hug her coach, Jim Pedro, and the group of children.

“It’s heartwarming, words can’t describe it,” Harrison said of her welcome. “Standing in front of a podium is amazing, but getting a welcome home like that is indescribable.”

Harrison said that after her first gold medal in London in 2012, she didn’t think the experience of competition could get much better.


“Rio was twice as sweet,” she said.

Harrison said she’s excited to return and work with everyone at Pedro’s Judo Center.

“I definitely want to be able to teach at the club and come back and see the kids,” she said.

Pedro said the whole center is proud of the athletes’ accomplishments.

“As a country, with them taking the gold and silver, we came in fifth out of 137 countries in judo. That’s an accomplishment already,” Pedro said. “You know, sooner or later, you get to have your day in the sun. If you stay with something, usually you do.”

Olivia Quintana can be reached at olivia.quintana@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @oliviasquintana.