Making the Team: the Path to Olympic & Paralympic Glory

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For many athletes the Olympic Games are an ideal. We see it on television. We read about it in MAKING THE TEAM the papers. We idolize its heroes. But that is where it often ends. In the sport of shooting, making the jump from Summer 2012 firearm safety to an Olympic hopeful may seem like a long shot, but as the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of shooting, it is USA Shooting’s mission to share the sport with interested individuals and groups throughout the U.S. From becoming a member of USA Shooting to honing your shooting skills to a specific discipline, the sport can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Once a shooter is named to the National Team, Below is a brief explanation of the steps required to he/she must still qualify to serve on international make the U.S. Olympic Team. squads that travel around the world. Beyond the Shoot in a preliminary tryout (PTO) sponsored World Cup and World Cup Finals, there are many by USA Shooting, and fire a minimum score that has international matches that run on a four-year been established in each event. Only members can sequence beginning the season following the participate and access the regional event listing for Olympic Games. the PTO nearest them. So what are you waiting for? Now that you know Participate in the USA Shooting National what to do, start shooting! One day you may be the Championships (USASNC), which is the first step next Olympic idol, standing on the podium of the for selection to either the National Team (NT) or world’s biggest stage. National Development Team (NDT). Additionally, The following page lays out five oversimplified there are at least two team selection matches each steps to getting active in the shooting sports. year held in the spring and fall. The USASNC can Remember, you should contact a club or shooting NEW ARRIVAL! CHECK AT also be used as a team selection match. range near you for more extensive details. www.kruger-US-targets.com

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What Makes a Champion Shooter – Excerpt from Lones Wigger, five-time Olympian Shooting is a unique sport because it doesn’t require exceptional strength, size, athletic or natural ability to become a champion. The learned attributes are much more important than the God-given ones. Champion shooters consist of both sexes, come in all sizes and from all walks of life. There are, however, certain elements which contribute to the development of a shooting champion. Although these qualities may vary from individual to individual, the most important factors include: above 2008 Olympic Gold medalist vincent average intelligence; learning to shoot at hancock seals his second olympic an early age; complete dedication to the sport with definite goals and plans; an berth at the tucson trap & skeet club. environment which provides the opportunity Photo Zuma Press for an individual to train, learn, progress and achieve goals; the development and Find a shooting club near you or take Practice, practice, practice and stick training of the mental aspects; and the most a shooting class to learn about safety and with it. Many people start a sport, but do not important attribute for competitiveness—a how to shoot. At the beginning levels, USA commit to it. As you continue to practice you will desire and determination to become the Shooting, the National Rifle Association (NRA), continue to see improvement. Just remember, best. the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), the it takes time to learn your best techniques and A shooting champion gains little notoriety National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), your favorite equipment. Take part in shooting and receives very little in material value the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), clinics. There are often local clinics around the or compensation. Usually, competitive National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA), country offered through various organizations, shooting costs much more than any possible 4-H and Boy Scouts offer programs that will such as the First Shots seminars hosted by the gain. For the true champion shooters, the provide the initial training and guidance to begin NSSF. Seek them out in your area to continue compensation is the personal satisfaction of the process. The advanced stages of the sport your learning. College-aged shooters can winning, knowing they have bested the best come under the purview of USA Shooting in the become eligible for university shooting programs and perhaps the most important aspect of Junior Olympic, National Development Team and and could earn education scholarships. all, being true masters of the mind. National Team programs offered. Take the time to visit one of the many sanctioned USA Shooting Once you become acquainted with the Member Clubs across the country. sport of shooting take the next step and get involved. Compete. Shoot in local, regional Join USA Shooting to become eligible to or even national contests. You can access compete in sanctioned USA Shooting matches. sanctioned USA Shooting matches online or Youth and adults alike can shoot in sanctioned see the up to the minute competition schedules matches for their respective shooting category under the membership database and register by registering online for competitions through online. the membership web site.

58 USA Shooting News | Olympic Preview Issue 2012 Shooting Tip from two- time Olympic medalist in rifle Matt Emmons Fundamentals: Natural point of aim, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow

through. These are the Kimmell Tom Photo absolute basics of shooting. SHOOTING The funny part is, these four WaltherCompetition.com things are so easily overlooked by juniors and experienced shooters alike. Focus on these fundamentals and perfect them. Your work will be rewarded, especially when it matters. In stressful situations, poor shots are most often caused by making a mistake with one or more of these fundamentals. Being extremely competent in these areas will help you make good shots in all Photo Zuma Press situations. Photo ISSF

To earn a place on the U.S. National, National Development or Junior Olympic Team in rifle, pistol or shotgun, athletes must take part in specific team eligibility events. These include competitions like selection matches, National Championships and Junior Olympics. Earning your place on the U.S. Team could make you eligible to represent the United States in National or International competition. It is through participation on a USA Shooting national team that athletes secure their place on the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team. It takes many years and active involvement with USA Shooting to be named to an Olympic Team, but the experience is one of a kind. Walther Competition Shooting, USA Division 7700 Chad Colley Blvd. Fort Smith, AR 72916 479-646-4210 x291 [email protected]