Seven U.S. Army soldiers, one Army Reserve soldier, and two veterans are representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which began today. The Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) is well-represented, with both seasoned medalists and newcomers aiming for gold.
Former AMU member Vincent Hancock, a five-time Olympian, could make history by winning his fourth gold medal in Men’s Skeet. If successful, Hancock would become the first shooter to win the same individual event four times, joining the ranks of Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps as one of only six athletes to achieve this milestone.
U.S. service members are particularly focused on excelling in shooting events at the Paris Olympics, which run from July 26 to August 11. Additionally, three active-duty soldiers will compete in the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
The Army Marksmanship Unit, based at Fort Moore, Georgia, has sent a sizable contingent to France. The unit, established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, has earned 26 Olympic medals to date. Among the competitors is Vincent Hancock, a veteran of the unit, who is seeking his fourth Olympic gold in men’s skeet.
Sgts. Ivan Roe and Sagen Maddalena are competing in two events each. Roe, a first-time Olympian from Montana, qualified for the men’s 10-meter air rifle and 50-meter three-position events. Maddalena, competing in her second Olympics, will participate in the 50-meter smallbore and 10-meter air rifle events. Both athletes bring impressive collegiate achievements to the Games.
Two other members of the Army Marksmanship Unit, Staff Sgts. Rachel Tozier and Will Hinton, are making their Olympic debuts in trapshooting. Tozier, from Missouri, joined the Army marksmanship program in 2017 and has since earned 11 medals in international competitions. Hinton, from the Atlanta area, transitioned to international-style trap after joining the Army in 2016.
Marine Corps and Army veteran Keith Sanderson, 49, is returning for his fourth Olympics to compete in the 25-meter men’s rapid-fire pistol event.
Capt. Sammy Sullivan, a West Point graduate, made the women’s rugby sevens squad for her first Olympics. The U.S. women’s rugby team, competing at Stade de France from July 28-30, is aiming for its first Olympic medal since the sport’s introduction in 2016.
On the track, Army Reserve 1st Lt. Sam Kendricks, a pole vaulter, won the U.S. trials with a meet record of 19 feet, 5 inches. Kendricks, a bronze medalist in Rio 2016, will compete in Paris after missing the 2021 Games due to COVID-19.
Distance runner Staff Sgt. Leonard Korir, 37, who narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Games, is back for the marathon event in Paris on August 10. Korir previously placed 14th in the 10,000-meter race in 2016.
Spc. Kamal Bey will compete in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 77-kilogram weight class after securing a quota spot following the disqualification of Russian and Belarussian athletes.
Additionally, former Olympians Master Sgt. Dennis Bowsher and Sgt. 1st Class Spenser Mango will serve as coaches in modern pentathlon and wrestling, respectively, at the Games.
