Madison Reporter

Beijing Olympic gold medalist Matt Hamilton is back in the arena, having signed as co-host of ESPN Madison’s “Ruthledge and Hamilton” show.  

“I like sports and I love to talk so it kind of seems like a match made in heaven,” Hamilton told NBC15.com.

Hamilton said the opportunity stems from the segments he started doing with host Jim Ruthledge on “The Jump Around,” where he would do a segment called “Gold Medal Tuesdays.” Ultimately, he was offered the co-host spot soon after returning from the 2002 Winter Games.

“I texted Jim and was like, 'Hey can I be on the show today?'” he said. “He’s like, 'More than happy to have you but didn’t you just get back yesterday?' When I do commit to something I try to jump in feet first and really give it my all.”

The U.S. Men’s Curling Team lost in the bronze medal game to Canada in Beijing, but Hamilton is already looking to the rematch.

“The second we lost the bronze medal game I was like we’re running this back,” he said. “I want one more medal or at least another crack at it.”

Between now and the next Winter Olympics in four years, Hamilton is looking to his new pursuits to keep him occupied and busy.

“When something good is going in your life you try to ride it as long as you can,” he said.