For U.S. shot-putter Reese Hoffa, three times is a charm. He came up short during the Athens and Beijing games in 2004 and 2008, but snagged a bronze medal Friday night in London's Olympic Stadium.

Plus, he's loving the whole London vibe.

First off, "they speak English," and clearly, for the 34-year-old from Louisville, Ky., that's a big plus.

And he thinks "the food is phenomenal."

Anything else?

"This is probably the most hospitable place we've been, I guess, other than Japan. They are pretty nice people there, too," he said.

"I have nothing but fond things to say about London."

Only a small complaint: "I wish the mall was a little closer."

Now that he's got that medal, perhaps he'll have more time to shop.

— John Leicester — http://twitter.com/johnleicester

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EDITOR'S NOTE — "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.