LONDON (AP) — Kim Rhode is not making any more trips to the Olympic medal stand in London. Instead, she’s going to talk to David Letterman.
Such is life for those who make Olympic history.
Rhode’s competition schedule at the London Games ended Saturday, when the Olympic skeet champion placed ninth in qualifying for the women’s trap event at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Rhode’s qualifying score was 68, two shy of having a chance to compete for a spot in the medal round, which she said would have been a bonus after a wild few days.
“I haven’t had a whole lot of downtime in between my matches,” Rhode said. “It’s been a whirlwind of events, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been a good whirlwind. It’s really about our sport and about our country. We’re hoping for the best out here.”
Earlier in the London Games, Rhode became the first American to win individual medals in five straight Olympics. She tied the world record and set an Olympic mark with an overall score of 99 in women’s skeet, missing just one of her 100 shots and winning by eight targets — a massive margin in shooting.
Her schedule has been jammed since, with tons of television and print interviews, along with other appearances, all while she tried to squeeze in some training for the trap event.
“It hasn’t stopped,” Rhode said, looking toward USA Shooting press officer Kevin Neuendorf, her official scheduler of late. “He still has things lined up for me after this event. There’s been tons of stuff. I know that I’ve done quite a few of the major networks, supposed to go on with Letterman from what I understand, and there’s even more to continue when I get back. So I don’t foresee it stopping anytime soon, but it’s all good. I’m not complaining.”
There have been some late nights in London, like 1:40 a.m. arrivals back at her room because of all the appointments that have popped up.
Even her roommate at the games — Jamie Lynn Gray, who won her own gold Saturday in the women’s 50-meter three-position rifle event — hasn’t seen much of Rhode in recent days.
“She’s an inspiration, honestly,” Gray said. “She’s done great in our sport. You couldn’t ask for a better person to be winning, setting history in our sport.”
Rhode is going to try to have somewhat of a normal Olympic experience as well before heading home. On her wish list — even though she’s a gold medalist, Rhode still has to wait and see if she wins ticket lotteries alongside other athletes to get into certain events — are things like BMX races, basketball and track and field.
Somehow, some way, she said she’ll find a way to be a fan and chant “U-S-A” somewhere.
“It’s been incredible to meet some of the other athletes and just be considered in that same class, with all the rest,” Rhode said. “It’s incredible, it’s overwhelming and I’m very, very thankful.”
___
Follow Tim Reynolds on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ByTimReynolds
