Olympic champion Kimberly Rhode has vowed to continue her crusade against gun control laws in America, saying the sport makes one disciplined, responsible and focused.
The fight against tighter gun control laws has become an integral part of her life and she is not hesitant to talk about it after winning yet another gold medal in a top international tournament.
“I am very active (politically), I sit on the board at the NRA (National Rifle Association) in the United States as well as the California Rifle and Pistol Association. So I am very active for the second amendment, and I am fighting against some of the propositions that have been passed in the state of California,” said one of the most decorated shooters of all time.
Rhode won the women’s skeet gold medal in the ISSF World Cup final with a world record score of 56 here after prevailing over another champion shooter, Diana Bacosi of Italy, in a marathon shootoff.
Later, she attacked the gun control supporters at home.
“So I am very active politically in that. End of the day it’s something I am able to pass onto my son, make sure that he can shoot and shooting really teaches you a lot about responsibility, discipline, focus, make one a respectful and responsible individual. Hopefully, it will be there for many, many generations,” she said with the kind of conviction she displays at the shotgun ranges.
Rhode has won six medals at the Olympic Games, including three gold medals. But she desires to continue at top level for many more years.
“I think priorities change in life but I definitely have that drive. I love the competition, I definitely love that moment when it comes down to one bird, either make or break. I think that’s what has me coming back again and again.
“That and my team mates and the places I get to travel and speaking to all of you guys and I am just really enjoying the competition and the places. I really have no intention of stopping.
“The oldest shooter to compete in the history of Olympics was Oscar Swahn — he was 72 — so I am 38, so if you do the math I have quite a few Olympics left.”
Asked how she manages to prepare herself for major competitions, Rhode said, “I don’t think you are ever really prepared for something that long; Bacosi is a phenomenal shooter, we have met many times in the finals at various competitions."
“At the end of the day, you just take one target at a time, one final and one competition, I am just happy with the outcome.”
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