Skeet Shooter Kimberly Rhode Medals in Five Consecutive Olympics

Her gold medal win in women’s skeet shooting at the 2012 London Olympics on Sunday makes Kimberly Rhode the first American to take an individual-sport medal in five consecutive Olympics. Rhode tied the world record and set an Olympic record with 99 points.

Rhode won the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal in Double Trap, the 2000 Olympic Bronze Medal, the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal in International Skeet.

I had the opportunity to interview Rhode several months ago about her Olympic history and aspirations, her passion for hunting and her involvement in youth shooting through the NWTF's JAKES program.

Rhode has many firsts to her name. As the youngest person to ever make an Olympic shooting team at just 17 years old, she knows what it’s like to work toward a dream and succeed with the odds against her.

Rhode was only 10 years old when she began her quest for the Olympics, and she was one of only a handful of females in a male-dominated sport, but she didn’t let these obstacles stop her. In fact, she overcame these hurdles while helping to ensure that young people interested in following in her footsteps reach their goals as well.

Rhode understands the important role mentorship plays in the development of a young shooter and credits her mentors with much of her success. Rhode came from a line of shooters. Her grandfather taught her father who taught her mother, and both of her parents taught her. Realizing that many youngsters don’t have parents who participate in outdoor sports, such as shooting, Rhode uses much of her free time mentoring young folks in the sport. One of her most favorite programs to work with is the NWTF’s JAKES Program.

“The youth are the future of this sport,” Rhode says. “I care very much about passing my love for shooting on to the younger generations. The JAKES program provides me with an outlet for doing just that.”

Rhode says the JAKES program encompasses what the shooting sports are all about – getting off the couches and into the outdoors. It’s about making friends and having fun.

That’s precisely what Rhode loves about the sport, and it’s her motivation for success. In addition to her five Olympic medals, Rhode has won hundreds of medals for her shooting accomplishments. Earlier this year, she took first place (and established a new world record) at the 2012 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup. Rhode established a new world record in 2012 ISSF World Cup regular competition with a perfect score of 75/75, and tied the previous world record of 99/100 in the 2012 ISSF World Cup Finals.

Her numerous Olympic medals draw crowds and questions from youth who attend the JAKES events. One of the most memorable events occurred during a NWTF convention.

“Thousands of kids had been bussed in from their schools to attend the event,” Rhode says. “I, along with several other athletes, spoke to the children about our sports and the Olympics. At the end, we held a question-and-answer session. The children asked some clever questions. Afterward, we mingled and talked with the students. We let them see and hold the Olympic medals and we signed autographs. Everyone involved had a great time and learned a lot.”

Rhode says when she speaks to children who want to follow in her footsteps, she tells them to never give up.

“I know that’s what everyone says, but they say it because it’s so true,” Rhode says. “Everyone has bumps in the road. How you overcome those bumps determines your success. Anyway, it’s more about the journey than the goal.”

And, what a journey it’s been for Rhode. “I never would have dreamed as a child participating in club shoots that I’d end up competing in five Olympics. I started off hunting with my family and shooting in the occasional local match. Then someone said to my parents, ‘She’s pretty good. She ought to compete more.’ And, that’s what I did, and that’s the opportunity I want for other youngsters as well.”

Have you watched any of the Olympic games?  Did you see Rhode win her fifth Olympic medal?