Since capturing an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in August, U.S. team member Xander Schauffele is at least accustomed to knowing the whereabouts of his shiny new hardware. But Wednesday, he wasn’t quite sure where it was. He
didn’t bring it with him to the U.S. Team room this week. “It’s too individual,” he said. “it's about the team this week, so it wasn't going to make an appearance.”
Added Schauffele, smiling, “I don't even know where it is. I think my mom might have it back home, unless my dad secretly has it on him out here.”
Schauffele has been able to do some cool things with his medal in the weeks it has been in his possession, and it has been held in plenty of hands. When it comes to defining the best moment with it, that’s an easy one for him to answer.
“The coolest moment for me, honestly, was back in Japan,” he said. “I was able to share the gold medal with my grandparents. ... It was cool to see them, just seeing their reaction. It's hard to surprise someone that's 80-plus years old.
Just to see the joy on their faces. Obviously, they're happy to see me and spend some time. That was probably my favorite moment of sharing it with anyone.”
