URUMQI, China – And the first gold medal of the 2008 Beijing Olympics goes to ... shooter Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic in the women's 10m air rifle.
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It should look great in her Colorado Springs, Colo., trophy case.
Emmons is the wife of American shooter Matt Emmons and the couple lives in the hometown of USA Shooting. They hooked up at the last Olympics, when her last name was Kurkova and she won bronze in this event.
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This time, she was a bit of a surprise winner over favorite Du Li of China, the reigning gold medalist who was aiming for the first gold to stay in the host country. With the Americans and Chinese expected to battle it out for the most golds, remember this victory by a U.S. resident if the race is close.
Actually, China already leads 1-0. Weightlifter Chen Xiexia won the second event, even setting Olympic records in the clean and jerk and for total score.
With Emmons also setting an Olympic record, the 2008 Summer Games are already leaving a mark.
Five more golds were to be awarded Saturday, although all later in the day: men's 10-meter air pistol, cycling's men's road race, judo's women's 106 pounds and men's 132, and women's individual saber in fencing, an event that could feature a U.S. sweep.
Meanwhile, the games began — or were to begin — in 13 other sports Saturday, including Michael Phelps diving in for preliminary heats in the 400 individual medley.
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