Blake Hall
You might remember we posted about active duty military members who qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games back in December. Now with the Olympics beginning August 5th, we’re here to give you the updated profiles for the veterans on their way to Rio de Janeiro to represent the U.S.
Staff SGT Walton Glenn Eller
(Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle Staff)
Eller is a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. He is also a 2008 Olympic Games gold medalist in the double trap and on his way to his 5th Olympics. Eller credits the military with giving him “the structured training to make his shooting more efficient and elite” and also with teaching him how to perform under “extreme stress.” Shooting events will take place from the 6th-14th, so be sure to keep an eye out for this promising soldier.
Staff SGT John Nunn
(©2016 ArmyMWR.com)
SGT Nunn, a dental hygienist (prior infantry), is a track and field athlete, but not in the event you might think. He’s a 50k race walker. He is also a single father and owns a cookie company with his 12 year old daughter Ella. Altogether, this multi-talented dad has our full support going into the games.
SGT Nathan Schrimsher
(©2016 ArmyMWR.com)
Schrimsher is a Motor Transport Operator in the Army and a Modern Pentathlete. What is the Modern Pentathlon you ask? Well, the pentathletes compete in fencing, a 200m swim, show jumping (equestrian), and a combination of pistol shooting and a 5k race over the span of a single day. The sport takes crazy amounts of endurance and athletes practice 4-5 times a day to train for it. This is more intense than almost all other Olympic sports. If you’re looking for a variety of sports in one, check out Schrimsher on the 19th and 20th of August.
SGT 1st Class Keith Sanderson
(©2016 ArmyMWR.com)
SGT 1st Class Keith Sanderson served in the Marines for 8 years before switching to the Army Reserves in 2001. He is the most decorated rapid-fire pistol shooter in American history, with Rio being his third Olympic appearance. He has come close to a medal before when he placed 5th in the 2008 Olympic games. Let’s hope 2016 brings even more success to Sanderson!
Cadet 1st Class David Higgins
(2016 U.S. Air Force Academy/USA Shooting)
Higgins is making history by becoming the first cadet-athlete to make the U.S. Olympic team. He passed three-time Olympic medalist Matt Emmons to earn his ticket to Rio. This senior is definitely on his way to doing big things. Hopefully that includes bringing home the gold for one (or more) of his events, which include the Men’s 10m Air Rifle, Men’s 50m Rifle Three Position and Men’s 50m Prone Rifle.
Even if you’re not usually a sports person, it’s hard to deny the appeal of a world-wide competition with athletes that are truly the best in their field. It’s no surprise that these athletes include members of the U.S. military who strive for physical excellence not just to win, but to serve our country.
Best wishes to these military members on their way to Rio!