COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (July 24, 2018)
On gun ranges across the country, athletes patiently execute shot after shot while chasing the same dream to represent their country and sport at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a 2020 vision that unites beginning and veteran shooters alike and today we stand just two years away from a tremendous opportunity that awaits.
For some, that pursuit hasn’t changed in three decades, and for 39-year-old Kim Rhode, she’s as steady as she’s ever been having amassed seven international victories since earning bronze in Rio de Janeiro. Her 2020 vision is the same as it was at her first Olympic Games back in 1996 and that’s to outwork the competition, be calm in the face of great pressure and enjoy every part of this ride. She’s already an Olympic legend having become the only summer Olympian EVER to earn six Olympic medals (three golds, one silver, two bronzes) in six consecutive Games. What’s next?
“One of the things I’m really looking forward to in Tokyo 2020 is the atmosphere, the traditions, the culture, and really just my teammates – the memories and comradery leading up to and through the Olympics. That’s just something I’ve found after going to six Olympics – each one is unique and so different. I can’t wait to see what Tokyo brings.”
For others, it’s all about translating vision into reality. Every shot from here forth carries on new meaning. That precious Olympic invitation is open to all but earning it only comes after passing a gauntlet of personal and team tests.
Just as opportunity awaits the shooter, so does it await the entire shooting sports industry. How will the shooting industry rally around America’s Shooting Team? Will it passively lie dormant
