Beijing - For the first time in its history, the Olympic Games´ gold medal chart was led by the Czech Republic. At least, for a day.
The first gold medal in Beijing was not won by China, as expected, nor by their big rival the United States but by the Czech Republic.
Kateřina Emmons, born Kůrková, won the 10 meter air rifle round on Saturday.
While Chinese favorite Li Tu who won the gold medal in Athens took the fifth place and burst into tears, Kateřina Emmons had a reason to smile. She set an Olympic record in her category.
Air rifle shooting may not be among the most popular Olympic Games sport disciplines but this one was closely watched, as it was the Games´ first gold medal.
Uneasy victory
However, she claimed that her victory was a painful one.
"From the beginning I was extremely nervous. I even had health problems. But I really wanted to make it, I wanted to go on. I told myself that since I had been preparing for so long and devoted so much time to training, I could not give up," Emmons said to journalists at a press conference in Beijing.
"I just wanted to make it, but I wanted to go home so terribly," Emmons claimed, adding that she is happy that she managed to beat the 400 point barrier.
US-Czech dilemma?
Emmons also commented on the speculation that she may represent the US, not the Czech Republic. Her husband Matt Emmons who is also competing in Beijing as a shooter is American.
Matt Emmons won the gold medal in Athens, 2004.
"My heart lies in the Czech Republic, so if I continue to compete and if I can, I will compete for the Czech Republic," the 24-years-old Olympian that was raised in Plzeň, west Bohemia.
Emmons also confessed that they are planning to have a family, which would make her terminate her sports career for a while.
Shooting family
"I am very proud of Kateřina. I know how much effort she took during her preparation, and I am happy she performed so well," Kateřina's husband Matt said.
Father of Kateřina Emmons, Peter Kůrka, who is also her coach, commented on her performance in a similar manner. Kůrka is a former rifle shooter himself.
"I am glad I survived the round myself. Only in my wildest dreams I would imagine that one day there will be a gold medal in our family. I had always failed in the Olympic Games, so we haven't had any yet," Kůrka said smiling.
