US three-time Olympian Glenn Eller says he is a man of few words, but his actions at these Games have spoken volumes.
Eller, a 26-year-old from Texas, won the gold medal in the men's double trap shooting on August 12. It was not only the first Olympic gold medal for Eller but for the entire US shooting team at the 2008 Beijing Games. In addition, Eller's total score of 190 set a new Olympic record in the men's double trap.
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Eller, a 26-year-old fromTexas, wins the gold medal in the men's double trap shooting, August 12, 2008. [China Daily]
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Like every other Olympic champion, the glory comes after persistent effort and rigorous training. "I started shooting when I was eight. And I switched to the Olympic shooting discipline right after my fifteenth birthday. So I've been shooting close to 20 years now. I'm really excited about winning the gold medal! I've been waiting so long for it!" Eller said during an exclusive interview with China Daily.
This is Eller's second Beijing trip. He and his teammates were in the city in April for the test competition.
"I've seen good differences between April and now," Eller said. "We could tell everything was going to be ready when we were here last time. And now I see everything is ready. Beijing is putting on a spectacular show!" Eller said.
'I've been to three Olympic Games and all of them were great. But the opening ceremony in Beijing was my favorite one. It is even better than the combined two previous ones! I especially like the way Li Ning lit the torch!" he said.
He lauded the Chinese team for its great performance at the Beijing Games."The Chinese team has done a fantastic job with the Games. I couldn't picture anything better than this. It's just been amazing!"
Speaking of his second Beijing adventure, Eller said: "I've met a lot of local people so far. And I think they are all great. It's been a great trip for me. The food in the Olympic Village is great too. I especially like the Peking duck which is really tasty."
Having been to the Great Wall and Tian'anmen Square before, Eller was totally focused on the job in hand and not distracted by sight-seeing. Now his competition is over, however, he says he will enjoy hanging out with his friends at bars at Beijing's Sanlitun area, where they always have a lot fun together.
"My family has left Beijing already but I'm here with my friends, waiting for the closing ceremony," he said. "Everything has exceeded my expectations so far. And I'm sure the closing ceremony will be even more amazing!" Eller added.
He concluded by saying, "Thank you, Beijing. I'm a man of few words."
