Meeting a UA neighbor in Beijing
August 18, 2008
I really have to thank God for all his blessings and love so far. Last week, I interviewed Corey Cogdell, the lovely bronze medalist in Women’s Trap Shooting. This afternoon, I met with Glenn Eller, the handsome gold medalist in Men’s Double Trap.
This is the very first time for me to observe an Olympic gold medal within such a close distance. I took several pictures with Glenn, who is actually our neighbor by going to Auburn University.
Usually my interviews with U.S. athletes last about 15 to 20 minutes, but this time it took us less than seven minutes. Glenn, is a man of few words, as he self-described to me during the interview.
Nevertheless, our conversation went on just as smoothly as usual. I learned that Glenn has an older sister and his dad also enjoys shooting. In addition, his parents, his sister, his cousins and his good friends all came to Beijing to support him. After the competition, he now enjoys hanging out with his pals in bars at San Li Tun in Beijing. Meanwhile, he is waiting patiently for the closing ceremony. As a three-time Olympian, Glenn said the opening ceremony in Beijing was the best one, better than the combined two previous ones. Moreover, he loves Beijing people and Chinese food, especially Peking duck.
In the end, I asked him to say something to our UA community. He first said “War Eagle!” Then he began to laugh. He added: “I like UA. I’ve been there several times. A friend of mine used to play basketball at UA. So I went there to support him.”
As such, I think it is fair to say “Glenn Eller has been a great friend of UA, although he goes to Auburn.” Upon hearing my conclusion, Glenn began to laugh with me again. So did other people around us.
P.S. I just finished writing a feature story of this great guy before doing this entry. Also check China Daily's website to see Glenn's pictures:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/18/content_6947807.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/19/content_6950193.htm
Lu
Glenn Eller showing his Gold Medal
The gold medal
Gold medal
With Glenn Eller
