ACOG - News - IBM

(23 July 1996; Day 04)

Kim RHODE Turns 17, Wins Gold Medal

Kim RHODE (USA) has been doing a lot of things lately. She turned 17 a week ago. She just got her red, white and blue braces removed. Oh, and she won an Olympic Games gold medal in the women's double trap event.

Kim's mother, Sharon, said that the reason that RHODE does so well is because she works so hard. "For a younger person to have the focus is a little more difficult. The reason she has such an edge is because she practices so much. She shot about 20,000 - 25,000 rounds of competitive targets per year from when she was 11 to 16. She has always excelled."

Although RHODE was in first place going into the final by three points, the beginning of her final was a bit shaky.

"I was nervous, and it was just a matter of focusing on what I had to do," said RHODE. "I just told myself that I'd put too much into this to give it up easily."

Being the youngest shooter at most events doesn't seem to bother RHODE, her mother said. "She competed in women's events and did really well against all women, not just kids her age. She won the Ladies World Championship when she was only 13 or 14 years old."

When asked how she felt about winning the gold, RHODE said, "This is just the cherry on top of the cake. I really didn't expect this. I just wanted to enjoy my first Olympics and do as best I could."

As far as what she has planned for the future, she said that she plans to go back to school, go skiing, and shooting. Oh, and train for the Olympic Games in Sidney, Austrailia in 2000.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Janelle Whateley.


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