Eatonton to celebrate its Olympic hero

Published: August 17, 2012 

London Olympics Shooting Men

Eatonton’s Vincent Hancock celebrates after firing his last shot and ensuring a gold medal in the men’s skeet event July 31 at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

REBECCA BLACKWELL — AP

On the heels of winning another Olympic gold medal in skeet shooting, Eatonton native Vincent Hancock will be returning to Middle Georgia for a celebration on Saturday.

Hancock will attend a shooting exhibition 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Old Hudson Plantation, 299 Skeet Lane, in Hancock County, according to a news release. People attending the event are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills is scheduled to unveil an addition to the county line signs recognizing Hancock.

At 5:45 p.m., a motorcade will escort Hancock to the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton, where several presentations will take place. The public will have another chance to congratulate Hancock when the Grapevine performs at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $5.

Hancock become the first person to win consecutive gold medals in men’s skeet shooting with his victory at the London games. He also is the first Middle Georgian to earn consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same individual event since Vienna’s Roger Kingdom won the 110-meter hurdles in 1984 and 1988.

Americus’ Angel Martino won consecutive golds in swimming relays in 1992 and 1996.

Order Reprint Back to Top

Top Jobs

View All

Find a Home

$899,000 Macon
5 bed, 5 full bath, 2 half bath. Attractive custom, high...

Find a Car

Search New Cars
Ads by Yahoo!