American golfer Scottie Scheffler, who has won the Masters twice, is now an Olympic champion. Last weekend, he shot a nine-under-par 62 in the final round in France to edge the United Kingdom’s Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke for the gold medal.
During his country’s national anthem, NBC, which is carrying the Olympics, caught a visibly emotional Scheffler wiping tears from his eyes. NBC even carried a story on it. Later, he explained his response.
Scottie Scheffler tears up during the 🇺🇸 national anthem at the #OlympicGames after winning the gold medal 🥇#Olympics2024Paris #Olympics pic.twitter.com/sKjNWTuLsG
— Melly (@Belondyy) August 5, 2024
“I would say first and foremost, I’m proud of the country that I’m from,” Scheffler said according to video. “I’m proud to be an American. I also got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics. I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country/ It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is raised, sitting there singing the national anthem. It’s definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
Asked about his family’s heritage, Scheffler said his mom’s side is Italian and his father’s side is German.
“We’ve been over here for a few generations,” he said. “And I learned from a young age to take my hat off and hold my hand over my heart for the national anthem. My parents taught me from a young age what it would have meant to be an American and what it meant to be free, and I’m proud to be representing the country this week.”
In April, Scheffler went viral at the Masters when he said his Christian faith, not golf, defines who he is.
“I am a faithful guy,” he said “I believe in a creator. I believe in Jesus. Ultimately, I think that’s what defines me the most. Yeah, I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent. I think that’s what defines me the most is my faith. I believe in one creator, and I’ve been called to come out here and do my best to compete and glorify God. That’s pretty much it.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice