His job started back in April when the new facility served as host for a portion of the Olympic trials. It also was a test run for the venue and for the men and women who will run it next month. Thirty of the 35 international archery teams that will compete in the Olympics took part in the tournament. Besides serving as part of the U.S. Olympic trials, the event served as a training session for Thomas and his staff. The tournament also gave Thomas his first look at the new facility.
Archers shoot at the base of Stone Mountain with the mountain rising above the shooting range.
It's a beautiful, beautiful site. Thomas said there are some changes in the archery venue and the competition that will make their first appearances at this year's Olympics. The changes have occurred in an effort to make archery more attractive to spectators and television, he said. For example, he said, spectator seating looks down onto the archery field instead of being at field level where it is harder to see what's going on. Thomas said he's looking forward to the games next month because he'll have the opportunity to see some of the world's best athletes compete.