Beijing: Matt Hamilton fell agonizingly short of a curling medal at the Beijing Olympics on Friday but the American did win a legion of new fans — including Dwayne “;The Rock” Johnson.
The 32-year-old Hamilton, who cuts a distinctive figure with his tattoos, long hair and bushy moustache, saw his hopes of bronze evaporate as the USA men lost 8-5 loss to Canada.
But he was upbeat all the same because after the Games he will cut off his “;luscious locks” to raise money for charity.
Being on global television screens brought more awareness to his fundraising campaign for cancer research.
“;I have this great opportunity with curling, being in the spotlight. I just wanted to give something back when I have (received) so much from this sport,” said Hamilton, who also sported colorful trainers.
The American’s funky look has also won him and curling new fans — among them actor and former pro wrestler “;The Rock”, who tweeted to his 15.8 million followers praising how “;cool” Hamilton was with his “;focus, flexibility & hair”.
“;It’s all encompassing, so much neat stuff has come through,” said Hamilton of the attention from celebrities and casual watchers of the sport.
“;Whether it’s being tweeted at by The Rock or other celebrities, or getting words of encouragement from people all over the world that I have never met.
“;They watched curling, saw me, and thought that guy is awesome and took the time to reach out. It is overwhelming.”
