Countdown Begins for 2012 Olympic Games
OutdoorHub 07.27.11
July 27 marks the one-year countdown to the opening of the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England. Coming off of its success in Beijing, the USA Shooting Team has continued momentum through successful World Cup seasons and Olympic qualification, creating high expectations and much anticipation for London.
Five members of the USA Shooting Team have already been nominated to Team USA. In shotgun, Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.) was the first American athlete nominated and will be competing in Women’s Skeet. Heading to London with four Olympic medals, Rhode is once again considered a medal contender. With a podium finish in London, Rhode will become the first American Olympian in an individual sport to win five medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond (Hillsgrove, Pa.) of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit will be shooting in Men’s Double Trap next July, following deployment to Afghanistan this fall to serve his country.
In rifle, two-time Olympic medalist Matt Emmons (Browns Mills, N.J.) will be competing in his third Olympic Games in Men’s 50m Rifle Three Position. Sergeant First Class Eric Uptagrafft (Phenix City, Ala.) will represent the U.S. in his second Olympic Games in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone. Finally, in Women’s 50m Rifle Three Position, Jamie Beyerle(Lebanon, Pa.) will compete in her second Olympic Games.
To date the USA Shooting Team has secured 16 of 28 potential country participation quotas for London and will compete for additional quotas in the upcoming World Clay Target Championships and Pan American Games later this year.
Over the next twelve months, U.S. shooters will compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials to earn the final spots on Team USA. Show your support for your USA Shooting Team athletes as they qualify for Team USA by ‘liking’ USA Shooting’s Facebook Page or by visiting www.usashooting.org.
