He Hit the Ground Running:

When Vincent Hancock starts something, it might be best to get out of his way. This 2008 USA Olympic trap shooter started competing when he was 11 (he was born in 1989), and by age 16 he was the 2005 World Champion in men's skeet. This earned him a couple of enviable titles, 2005 USA Shooting Male Athlete of The Year and International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shooter of the Year.

Guiding Hands:

During his early years, Vincent's dad was his shooting coach. Dad obviously did a good job, and after Vincent gained some notoriety for his shooting, the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) took over from there. Even though he's said that the Army is easier on him than his father was, training with the USAMU has certainly helped him quite a bit.

Expecting to Win:

Vincent keeps his expectations high. In one interview he quoted legendary golfer Tiger Woods as saying, "If you don't expect to win, why compete?" That's Vincent's approach as well, and nay-sayers only fuel his drive for excellence. More than once when told that he should expect to lose, he has earned himself a medal and moved on to the next challenge.

This native Floridian grew up in Eatonton, Georgia, apparently with winning on his mind. So far, so good.

2008 Beijing Gold!:

Vince certainly came through for the USA in Men's Skeet, taking the top spot and securing Gold. He's the second young American shooter to win 2008 Gold for shooting, and the third member of the USA Shooting team to win a shotgunning medal in these games.

At 19 years old, he's still proving that age and experience doesn't always matter.

Vince led the scores after qualifying, with a top score of 121 vs. 120 from his closest competitors. He shot 24 in the final round, along with four of the five other shooters. Only one did better, Norway's Tore Brovold. This led to a shoot-off, which Vince won.

Nice job, Vince!