When it comes to competitive shooting, many of us think of the USA as having pretty good chances in all events. And while we have done okay in the past, the USA hasn't even always qualified to shoot! We can thank Keith Sanderson for our chance at a 2008 Olympic Rapid-Fire Pistol medal, our first shot since 1996.
The shooters listed below are necessarily very good, or they would never have made it into the Olympics.
1. Keith Sanderson - Men's Pistol
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
This former US Marine, Army Reservist, and currently a soldier (stationed in Korea) made history when he secured a spot for the USA to compete in Rapid-Fire Pistol for the first time since 1996. Next, he had the task of earning the chance to fill that slot himself...
2. Jason Turner - Men's Pistol
Photo courtesy of United States Olympic Committee
Texas Roadhouse bartender and server Jason Turner has been winning with his pistols for more than two decades, and in 2008 he has the chance to truly shine, as he is qualified in two Pistol events...
3. Daryl Szarenski, Men's Pistol
Photo courtesy of United States Olympic Committee
USAMU member Daryl Szarenski has been to the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008. Before the Olympic Games, Daryl had already won a Bronze medal in Beijing, at a 2008 test event...
4. Brenda Shinn - Women's Pistol
Photo courtesy of United States Olympic Committee
What a story! Brenda first trained for the Olympics in 1980, then had to take time out for a law enforcement career, marriage, and raising a son. In 2008, with only two years of recent competition under her belt, she qualified to shoot in Beijing...
5. Elizabeth "Libby" Callahan - Women's Pistol
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Army Reservist Libby Callahan has competed in Olympic games in 1992, 1996, 2004, and again in 2008, and she holds the honor of being the oldest American woman to ever compete at the Olympics...
6. Rebecca "Beki" Snyder - Women's Pistol & Air Pistol
Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Beki Snyder has plenty of Olympic experience: 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. For Beijing 2008, she qualified for both Air Pistol and Sport Pistol, placing first at the Olympic trials...
7. Matthew "Matt" Emmons - Men's Rifle
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Matt Emmons' Olympic past speaks well for his chances in 2008. He earned Gold in Prone Rifle at his 2004 Olympic debut, but lost a commanding lead in Air Rifle when he shot the wrong target...
8. Jason Parker - Men's Rifle & Air Rifle
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Jason Parker first competed in the Olympics in 2004, when he placed 8th in Air Rifle and was hosed by a busted trigger at the smallbore trials. In 2008 he qualified to compete in both Men's 10m Air Rifle and Men's 3-Position Rifle...
9. Michael "Mike" Anti - Men's Rifle
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Mike Anti has competed in Olympic shooting in 1992, 2004, and 2008. In 2004, he goofed along with Matt Emmons, allowing the Gold in Air Rifle to slip through the USA's hands. At least Mike got a medal for the event...
10. Jamie Beyerle - Women's Rifle
Photo courtesy of United States Olympic Committee
Jamie missed out on the 2004 Olympics when she failed to properly prepare for the trials, but in 2008 she rose to the challenge and earned first place in Women's 3-Position Rifle...
