Vincent Hancock started the day with a bang giving folks a shooting demonstration and sharing helpful tips for aspiring shooters. To some people in Eatonton, Hancock is more than an Olympian; he's an inspiration.
Scotty McFaddin, who knew Hancock when he first started shooting, says, "He's been an ambassador for the United States, this area, and shooting sports."
From skeet discs sailing to a sign unveiling. Hancock met with members of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at the Putnam and Hancock County line. When Hancock won his first gold in Beijing, they placed a sign there welcoming folks to the "home of Vincent Hancock." Saturday, they added on a commemoration to Hancock's second gold medal in London.
Hancock then made a pit-stop at his parent's home to spend time with his wife, children, and family.
"They've given me the life that I know, and they've helped mold me into the person that I've always wanted to become," he says.
He topped off the day with a motorcade ending with a warm welcome from fans and friends who all came out to celebrate Hancock the Olympian.
The Putnam County commissioners even named August 12, 2012 as "Vincent Hancock Day."
"That is just enormous," says Georgia Senator Johnny Grant. "Governor Deal and Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle are both just so appreciative of Vincent's work and his dedication to training and representing Georgia so well."
Some also know the gold medalist as Sergeant Hancock, the soldier.
Sergeant First Class Kevin Heerman from his unit in the Army says, "He's just one of those soldiers that, even though he has never deployed, if I were to deploy with him, I would want him as my battle buddy, not just because he can shoot, but because he looks out for others in just an exceptional way."
Hancock will retire from the Army at the end of the year, but his service to his country won't stop there. He plans to help teach the future generation of American skeet shooters at the range at his parents' house. That's the same range where his Olympic journey began.
