August 15, 2008

Wunderle Knocked Out in Men's Individual Quarterfinals

After advancing to the top eight of the men's individual competition, U.S. archer Vic Wunderle (Mason City, Ill.) was defeated by top-seed Juan Rene Serrano of Mexico, 113-106, at the Beijing Olympic Green Archery Field on Friday afternoon.

Wunderle had advanced to the quarterfinals after upsetting world #1 and tournament #8 seed Im Dong-Hyun, 113-111, earlier in the day.

"Serrano shot really well. I shot well, but I would have liked to do a little bit better," said Wunderle. "My first three arrows, I thought were all in the 10 ring when I let them go, but my sight was just a little off and they all ended up in a tight grouping in the nine ring."

Serrano produced seven 10s during the match compared with just one for the American.

Wunderle, who is competing in his third Olympic Games, was looking to return to the medal stand after winning the individual silver and team bronze at the Sydney Games in 2000.

"Of course I wanted to win a medal. I already have a silver and bronze and I really would have loved to come home with gold, but I'm proud to be able to represent everyone back home at the Olympic Games," he said. "It's an honor and privilege to be able to represent the USA at the biggest sporting event in the world."

Wunderle has advanced to at least the top eight in each of his Olympic Games appearances.

"I was the only athlete to make it to the top eight in both Sydney and Athens," he said. "In our sport, you're lucky to make it to the top-eight once, twice is pretty unheard of, so three times in a row, I feel very privileged to have such great finishes."

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