Xander Schauffele shows true colours after breaking down in tears at Scottie Scheffler

Golf star Xander Schauffele’s admirable sportsmanship was on full display at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as he responded with grace and emotion to seeing fellow American Scottie Scheffler claim the Olympic gold in men’s golf. Despite a late-round collapse that cost him the chance to become the first double Olympic gold medalist in the sport, Schauffele found solace and pride in witnessing Scheffler’s triumph.

Heading into the final round, Schauffele was in a strong position, holding a joint lead and seemingly poised to defend his title from the Tokyo 2020 Games. However, a disappointing final round combined with Scheffler’s sensational nine-under-par 62 shifted the balance, with Scheffler ultimately emerging as the Olympic champion.

While it would be understandable for Schauffele to feel disheartened, especially after such a narrow miss, he surprised many by embracing the moment and finding joy in his teammate’s success. Watching the medal ceremony from the family section, Schauffele described the experience as “weird” but also profoundly moving. The sight of Scheffler on the podium, with the American flag being raised and the Star-Spangled Banner playing, stirred unexpected emotions in Schauffele.

“It’s weird; I’m not going to lie. It’s the weirdest feeling,” Schauffele admitted in an interview ahead of the FedEx Cup Play-offs. “I was watching from the sort of family section, the podium, and when Scottie was up there and our flag was raised and he started crying up there, I was butt-hurt about my own round, and then I was sitting there like, ‘Yeah, this is pretty cool.’”

His ability to put aside his personal disappointment and celebrate Scheffler’s victory highlights a rare level of humility and maturity. Having been the one to stand atop the podium in Tokyo, Schauffele understood the weight of the moment and allowed himself to feel pride, not just for Scheffler, but for his country.

“I can be rational most times, but I felt so emotional in that state to where I was butt-hurt about how I played and then sorta proud and happy that Scottie won it,” Schauffele continued. “It’s hard to explain, the swing of it. I think it’s just being American. You see your flag being raised and your national anthem played, and you’re sitting there sort of humming it in your head, and you get that sort of feeling that we don’t really get too often anymore.”

Scheffler’s victory, while a bittersweet outcome for Schauffele, ensured that Team USA still took home the gold. Scheffler’s remarkable fourth-round performance saw him edge out Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood by a single stroke, with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama securing the bronze.

Although Schauffele is known for his analytical approach to the game, the emotional rollercoaster of Paris 2024 was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Having already achieved career milestones in 2024, including victories at the PGA Championship and The Open, Schauffele’s Olympic dream of consecutive golds was not to be. Nevertheless, his response to the outcome demonstrated a true champion’s mentality—one that values sportsmanship and team spirit above personal accolades.

In the end, Schauffele’s reaction to Scheffler’s victory was a testament to his character, proving that even in moments of personal defeat, he remains a class act, capable of celebrating the success of others with genuine happiness.