Athletes to watch in Rio

Staff Sgt. John Nunn

38, Army, 3rd Olympics

Race Walking

“I’m probably in some of the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. Even at this age, I feel better ‘in shape-wise’ than I was even when I was in my 20s.”

Edward King

27, Navy, First Olympics

Lightweight Four Rowing

“I had always been intrigued by the water and the romantic image of a single scull moving through the water… I visited Hubbard Hall (which houses the Naval Academy team’s rowing program). The sport immediately captivated me.”

Staff Sgt. Glenn Eller

34, Army, Fifth Olympics

Double Trap Shotgun Shooting

“You take great pride and honor representing the United States at the Olympic Games, and to me, it’s even more of an honor to be able to do that and wear the military uniform.”

Spc. Shadrack Kipchirchir

27, Army, First Olympics

10,000-Meter Track & Field

“Distance running has given me a discipline. But I want to have that military background.”

Engineer Sean Furey

33, Navy, Second Olympics

Javelin Throw

“People put Olympians on a pedestal. I was just stupid enough to keep going. Plenty of people could have made it. I’ve been so lucky to have the family and the opportunity to keep going. I was pigheaded enough to keep progressing.”

Sgt. 1st. Class Michael McPhail

34, Army, Second Olympics

50m Prone Rifle Shooting

“Your heart rate goes up, your adrenaline flows, and you have to push that excitement down and focus on making quality shots. Winning is fun. It always feels like you’re stepping up on that podium for the first time.”

Sgt. Nathan Schrimsher

23, Army, First Olympics

Modern Pentathlon

“A lot of people are telling me that now I can relax because I don’t have the pressure of qualifying anymore. But now the pressure to compete, and go win that gold, that’s on. It’s another set of pressure, but I’m ready for it.”

Sgt. Hillary Bor

27, Army, First Olympics

3,000-meter Steeplechase

“When I joined the military I stopped running, and then I started running for fun. Last year was when I thought I had a chance (to make the Olympics) and started my coaching program up to now. I can’t believe I made the team.”

2nd Lt. David Higgins

22, Air Force, First Olypmics

50m Prone Rifle Shooting

“I know I can do it. It’s not like I’m pressured to do it, it’s just whether it all falls into place. As long as I’m doing my job, everything will fall into place.”

Spc. Paul Chelimo

25, Army, First Olympics

Track & Field

“People don’t expect me to strike. That’s what gives me motivation. I want it to always be like that. I always want to go into races and be the underdog.”

Staff Sgt. Joshua Richmond

29, Army, Second Olympics

Double Trap Shotgun Shooting

“I’m a soldier who’s also an Olympian. I’m a soldier 24 hours a day. Being a good soldier is what’s also helped me become an Olympian. So everything’s kind of around the root of being a soldier, just by the way I’ve trained, the lessons I’ve learned, what it’s taught me.”

Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson

41, Army, Third Olympics

25m Rapid Fire Pistol Shooting

“I feel like I have to get a gold. I want to be the best U.S. pistol shooter in history. I already have the most World Cups. The only thing I’m missing is that Olympic gold medal.”

Sgt. 1st Class Dan Lowe

23, Army, First Olympics

10m Air Rifle Shooting

“I accepted that my chances had gone down a lot, so I knew I had a lot of work to do. I didn’t want to know the point spread — I knew it was close, but I knew I needed to win (the final) to get this.”

Spc. Leonard Korir

29, Army, First Olympics

10,000-Meter Track & Field

“Inspired to challenge myself more by joining the military. Wanted to represent the Army in world class events like the Olympics and world championships.”

Sgt. Vincent Hancock

27, Army, Third Olympics

Skeet shooting

“You get out of this sport what you put into it, and I want every kid out there to know that they can do anything. You win Olympic medals by believing in yourself and trusting that you can do it no matter what. Dream big.”

1st Lt. Cale Simmons

25, Air Force, First Olympics

Pole Vault

“When I clinched a spot on the team, I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this could change my life.’ This is uncharted territory for me. It’s kind of overwhelming.”

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