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photo courtesy of the Rhode family "My job is representing the United States as I travel around the world competing, but I am like everyone else. I still have to fix dinner, do the dishes, fold the laundry and clean house, just like every other American woman."
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Kim Rhode
Four time Olympian medalist and world-class shooter Kim Rhode, 30, has garnered more awards and honors than most women twice her age, but still she manages to remain focused and humbled by her accomplishments.
As one of the most recognized figures in the shooting world, Rhode’s life may seem like a fairytale to many, but there is a downside. Despite the trophies, medals and titles, Rhode will be the first to confess that life on the road is not as exciting at it may appear. She spends, on average, six to seven months a year in numerous hotel rooms, logs hundreds of thousands of frequent flyer miles and wastes countless hours waiting at airport security checkpoints. It is enough to make anyone’s head spin, even Rhode’s.
Life on the road began early for Rhode. She started competing and training for her first Olympics when she was just 10 and made her Olympic debut at 16 at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. She has been working hard ever since.
Having built an impressive resume that spans more than two thirds of her life, this shooting icon needs to escape the fast-paced world of international competition and return to her roots and her love of the outdoors.
In addition to a supportive family to keep her grounded, Rhode tries to squeeze in as much time as her schedule will allow for hunting, fishing, camping and an occasional trip to the beach. Reconnecting with nature is what many of us do to help recharge the internal batteries and it is no different for this international shooting star.
Although she is probably best known for her continuous pursuit of Olympic medals, Rhode is also an accomplished and avid hunter with numerous hunting achievements to her credit.
“I truly enjoy getting outdoors and hunting, regardless of whether it’s doves, big game or African game,” she said. “The best part of hunting for me is just spending time with my family and friends. Sitting around a campfire and having fun with the people you care the most about is what makes it special.”
“One of my earliest memories of shooting on my own was on a family dove hunt in Yuma, Ariz., when I was 6 or 7. Hunting and fishing has been a part of my family for generations, and it was just a natural thing for me to pick up.”
And this newlywed is looking forward to continuing those traditions with her future family, including her new husband, Michael.
“When I met Michael he didn’t do much hunting, but now he is really enjoying hunting and shooting with me and my family,” she said.
In addition to doves, deer and exotic African species, Rhode has been fortunate to harvest plenty of other game, including wild turkeys.
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“Over the years I have been lucky enough to hunt with some fine folks from the NWTF and bag a bird or two,” said Rhode.
Rhode is dedicated to the JAKES and the Women in the Outdoors programs, too.
“I have worked with the NWTF for many years with various projects, and I hope to continue to build that relationship and encourage new hunters to take up turkey hunting and conserve our natural resources,” she said.
Regardless of the countless accolades, including the Shooting Industry’s Academy of Excellence Award and making TIME magazine’s Top Ten Sports Phenom list shortly after her gold medal Olympic debut, Rhode focuses more on trying to make a positive impact on youngsters around the country through her volunteer work with programs like Kids for Clays.
“I have been fortunate to travel all around the world, including third world countries, and I have seen what people have to overcome,” she said. “You quickly become very grateful and appreciative of the little things and what people have done to help you along the way.”
Apart from her success on and off the shooting range, Rhode works hard to promote a positive image of shooters and hunters.
“My job is representing the United States as I travel around the world competing, but I am like everyone else. I still have to fix dinner, do the dishes, fold the laundry and clean house, just like every other American woman,” she said.
Her home-grown values, along with her commitment to hunting and conservation, make her a true outdoors woman. — Lisa Metheny