Loading ...
NSSF Congratulates USA Shooting Team on Historic Performance at Paris 2024 Olympics
Posted by Junior Shooters
The USA Shooting skeet shooters show off their medals at the Olympics Champions Park closing ceremony. Left to right: Conner Prince, Vincent Hancock, Austen Smith. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Joshua Schave)
Inspiring the Next Generation
By: Daphane Cassidy, NSSF Content Manager
STOP! If you are a MINOR in California or Illinois, you are not allowed to read further.
Printed in Junior Shooters magazine Fall 2024 Available on Newsstands, Direct, and Subscriptions 10/4/24
NSSF congratulates the exceptional athletes of USA Shooting for their outstanding performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. These athletes have not only broken records and brought home medals but also inspired countless young shooters across the nation to pursue their own Olympic dreams.
Did you watch the Olympics? Did you enjoy it? Are you interested in becoming an Olympian too?
If the performances of these athletes have inspired you, know that there is a clear path to follow to achieve your Olympic or Paralympic dreams. Whether you’re just starting out or already competing, USA Shooting provides a structured pathway for junior athletes to advance in the sport.
The Olympic/Paralympic Path for Junior Athletes
- Club Matches and Sanctioned Matches: Your journey begins with participating in club matches organized by groups such as the NRA, 4-H, SCTP/SASP and others. These competitions are crucial for gaining experience and honing your skills.
-
Marco De La Rosa training in men’s air pistol as he prepares to showcase his talent on the global stage. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Brittany Nelson)
USAS Prelim Tryouts: As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in preliminary tryouts and sanctioned matches through USA Shooting, which are essential stepping stones toward higher-level competitions.
- State and National Championships: Competing at the state level in the USAS State Junior Olympic & Paralympic Championships is a significant milestone. Success here can lead to competing in the USAS National Junior Olympic & Paralympic Championships, where the best junior shooters from across the nation come together.
-
Kevin Nguyen prepping for the paralympic event in R6 Mixed 50m Prone Rifle SH1. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Brittany Nelson)
USAS National Team and Developmental Team: Exceptional performance in these events could earn you a spot on the USAS Developmental Team, which is designed to further develop young talent. From here, you may advance to the USAS National Team, positioning you closer to Olympic selection.
-
2024 Shotgun Junior Olympic Championships trap event Image Source: (USA Shooting/ Dan Shanebrook)
Olympic/Paralympic Trials and Selection: The final steps on the path include participating in the Olympic/Paralympic Trials and undergoing the selection procedures. This is where the best of the best are chosen to represent the United States at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Conner Prince and Vincent Hancock raising the American flag after winning Gold and Silver in the Men’s skeet event. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Joshua Schave)
We Encourage You to Dream Big
Becoming a member of USA Shooting is an excellent way to start or continue your journey. Membership provides access to training resources, competition opportunities and a community that supports your growth in the sport. With the right dedication and support, you may stand on the Olympic podium one day or be able to say you tried to make it there.
Sagen Maddalena secured a silver medal in the 2024 Olympics women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle event. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Joshua Schave)
For more details on how to get involved and begin your journey, visit USA Shooting. Let the success of our 2024 Olympians and Paralympians be the motivation you need to pursue your Olympic dreams!
Organization leaders
Even if you are not looking to compete in USA Shooting sanctioned events, becoming a USA Shooting member shows your support and will help you follow the Olympic shooting sports. If you are in a position to be a sponsor, USA Shooting offers several categories of sponsorship, each providing unique benefits and opportunities for businesses and organizations. Every bit of support helps these athletes chase their dreams and continue to inspire the next generation of shooters.
The USA Shooting skeet shooters show off their medals at the Olympics Champions Park closing ceremony. Left to right: Vincent Hancock, Austen Smith, Conner Prince. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Joshua Schave)
Austen Smith celebrates her bronze medal performance in the women’s Skeet event. Image Source: (USA Shooting/Joshua Schave)
Comments
Leave a Reply
Please note: Comment moderation is currently enabled so there will be a delay between when you post your comment and when it shows up. Patience is a virtue; there is no need to re-submit your comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.