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View Winners → Olympian Kim Rhode honored by the city, residents of Monrovia
Featured Aug 20, 2012
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Photos by Dena Burroughs
Olympian Kim Rhode honored by the city of Monrovia
In a sunny Sunday afternoon, the residents of Monrovia gathered at the city’s Library Park to honor their local hero, Kim Rhode, after her outstanding performance at the London Olympics. Rhode won the gold medal in women’ skeet shooting and became the first American in an individual sport to medal at five consecutive Olympic games.
The enthusiastic Mayor of Monrovia, Mary Ann Lutz, brimmed with pride at the opportunity to recognize Rhode, a Monrovia resident, for her accomplishments. “Aren’t we proud of our hometown girl?” she asked the crowd. Other government representatives took opportunity to applaud Rhode, including Assemblymen Anthony Portantino and Tim Donnelly.
A substantial group of Monrovians gathered around Rhode before and after the official ceremony to take pictures with her, get her autograph, or try out the feel of the medals around their necks. “They are heavy aren’t they?” asked Rhode to one of the residents measuring out the golden and silver circles. The athlete graciously answered her neighbors’ questions and posed with dozens of children.
Kims signs autographs - Photo by Dena Burroughs
By Dena Burroughs
“It has taken time to sink in,” said Rhode. “It takes a while to realize what it all means. I feel like someone who is just ok at shooting. Ok, maybe better than ok… but it was not about the medals, it was always about the dream.” Rhode is not yet thinking of giving it up. She also spoke about her plans to train with the goal of Brazil 2016.
She was hailed by the Monrovia residents as an inspiration, especially for the city’s youngsters. In fact, Rhode is an inspiration for people in several cities in the San Gabriel Valley, as she was born in Whittier, went to school in El Monte, and now calls Monrovia home.
A Resident checks Rhode's heavy metal -Photo by Dena Burroughs
Rhode attended Sunday’s event accompanied by her husband and her mother. They just “walked to the park” for the event because they live literally “just down the street.”
