The U.S. has won the first gold medal of the Rio Olympics thanks to Ginny Thrasher, a Springfield, Va., native.

Thrasher won gold in the 10-meter air rifle event on Saturday morning, also setting a new Olympic record in the finals.

The 19-year-old is a sophomore at West Virginia University, where she became an NCAA champion her freshman year, according to the team's website. She first fell in love with shooting while deer hunting with her dad and grandfather.

Another American in the competition, Sarah Scherer, reportedly finished eighth.

The summer Olympics in Brazil began on Friday and will last much of this month, until Aug. 21.