William Shatner is best known as Captain James Tiberius Kirk in the Star Trek series, but he’s an incredibly accomplished actor with many other accomplishments. In addition to acting, he’s a best-selling author, director, horse breeder and passionate environmentalist.
He has starred in five TV series and more than three dozen movies, as well as making numerous memorable guest appearances on popular television shows.
1. Gold Medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the Olympic Games
William Shaner, a mechanical engineering major from the University of Kentucky, became the second-youngest American to win a gold medal in an Olympic rifle event by winning the men’s 10m air rifle event. His final round score of 251.6 missed out on setting a world record by just 1.2 points.
The 20-year-old was one of the top youth shooters in America and has had an illustrious career at Kentucky, winning both individual and team gold this year. Additionally, he earned first-team All-American recognition as a freshman.
2. First-Team All-American
First-Team All-American designations are presented to those individuals deemed by coaches and sportswriters of a given collegiate sport as being among the best amateur athletes in America. In some sports, individual players may be recognized on multiple All-America teams; in others, they will only receive one first-team All-American distinction.
The All-America Football Team is an annual honor bestowed upon collegiate football players selected by college sports writers and coaches. Votes from five designated selectors–American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press, Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation, and FWAA–agree on who should make up this exclusive group.
The 2022 FWAA All-America Team includes nine first-teamers from each of the four teams qualifying for the College Football Playoff, including three repeat All-Americans. Furthermore, 19 schools from six Football Bowl Subdivision conferences make up this 54-man squad.
3. Second-Youngest American to Earn a Gold Medal
Young athletes have made history at the Olympics by winning gold medals as teenagers, outlasting competitors a decade or more older than they. These remarkable young people are truly remarkable!
Marjorie Gestring was only 13 when she earned her first Olympic gold medal in the 3-meter springboard diving competition at the 1936 Berlin Games – becoming the youngest gold medalist to do so in an individual event.
Nadia Comaneci of Romania made Olympic history as she won five gold medals and became the first gymnast to achieve an unblemished score of 10.
4. Gold Medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the ISSF World Cup
On the final day of the ISSF World Cup, he earned his first gold medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle by defeating Italy’s Danilo Dennis Sollazzo 17-13 and taking home the title.
He thus secured India’s second Paris 2024 Olympic Games quota, becoming the second Indian to accomplish this feat after Abhinav Bindra who won silver in 2006.
Thane teenager had an unforgettable day. His remarkable comeback in the final round saw him capture gold with scores of 10.7 and 10.5 to overtake Danilo’s 10.4 and 10.2 scores!
5. Gold Medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the NCAA Rifle Championships
William Shaner is an incredibly gifted athlete who began shooting with the 4-H program when he was nine. Since then, he has competed in countless national and international competitions, earning himself the distinction of being a three-time All-American on the Kentucky rifle team.
In 2021, Will Shaner captured a gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the NCAA Rifle Championships. His score of 251.6 in the final was enough to edge out China’s Sheng Lihao and become the first American ever to do so.
