Hancock is now preparing for the 2016 Olympics being held in Rio de Janeiro August 5 - August 21, 2016. He is the only Olympic athlete to ever win back-to-back Olympic gold in skeet shooting and holds every Olympic, World and National record. He is considered the best shooter alive today.
I was able to catch up with him for a quick Q and A about his days in the Army and his road to the Olympics. What is the most important thing you learned while in the Army?
One of the most important things I learned while in the military is that we are a representative of something so much bigger than ourselves. I compete in an individual sport but when I'm competing it's not just for me. Much like the military, we stand in front of a crowd, a nation and represent the best of that this country has to offer.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned as a shooter?
Discipline. In this sport, discipline is the key to everything as it entails safety, focus, and the will to succeed. You must always think of what you will do ahead of time to ensure that you are doing it right.
Have you always loved shooting?
I didn't know I loved shooting while I was little, but I was always around it. I love sports in general, and I found out pretty quickly that this was what I was best at. So from that point on I fell in love with it and have been trying to grow the sport anyway I can.
You’ve won every record, medal and championship in your field. What’s your next goal?
My next goal is to make history with another Gold in Rio. That's not my end game though as winning medals is just a small part of what I want my legacy to be. I want to let the world know how great this sport is and what it has to offer. It has given me so much and it will be my passion to pass on those opportunities for generations to come.
Any words of wisdom to pass on to those still serving on active duty?
You are the heroes that our children look up to. Always stay focused on the mission and work on bettering yourselves at every turn. Being in the military is an honor and a privilege that not many get to have. Embrace your opportunity to do something great and remember that you are the best that this country has to offer. I have traveled the world and I assure you that this country is the greatest on earth, and you are what makes it great.
Between your prior active duty time and the Olympics, you must be gone from home a lot. What helps (or how do) you stay connected to your wife and two daughters?
I am definitely on the road a lot, but it is nothing compared to what our soldiers endure while on deployment. I enjoy getting to spend every possible moment with my wife and kids and I think that is where the connection begins. I try to make sure that when my wife and I talk, we always have something to talk about. Listening to what my wife and my girls have to say keeps me ingrained in their lives so that when I'm gone I can still keep up. They are more important to me than anything, including shooting. Shooting is my passion, but only outside of my family.
Since you are headed to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games, which game are you hoping to be able to watch in person?
We are staying in a satellite village this year, which is about two hours away from the main hub in Copacabana, so it will be difficult to get in to see something else. But, there are a few events going on where we are such as equestrian and BMX racing, so I'm going to try and check those out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
"I would again just like to thank our service members for what they do and know that I appreciate all your sacrifices. To the families that are supporting our troops, thank you especially. Our families are what pushes us to keep moving forward, and having a family behind a soldier makes them that much more motivated to be the best they can possibly be."
You can learn more about the 2016 Olympics and the U.S. Olympic team at www.olympic.org/rio-2016-summer-olympics.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
"I would again just like to thank our service members for what they do and know that I appreciate all your sacrifices. To the families that are supporting our troops, thank you especially. Our families are what pushes us to keep moving forward, and having a family behind a soldier makes them that much more motivated to be the best they can possibly be."
You can learn more about the 2016 Olympics and the U.S. Olympic team at www.olympic.org/rio-2016-summer-olympics.
