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The British Olympic Association officially named six shooters for Rio 2016

Skeet Women shooter Amber Hill and Double Trap Men shooter Tim Kneale will make their Olympic debut alongside more experienced Olympian like Elena Allen, Edward Ling, Jennifer McIntosh and Steven Scott.

On Tuesday, the British national Olympic committee officially named six Shooting sport athletes to represent and compete for Team GB at next year’s Olympic Games.

 

They are:

 

Elena Allen, 43 years old, Skeet Women.

Amber Hill, 18, Skeet Women.

Tim Kneale, 33, Double Trap Men.

Edward Ling, 32, Trap Men.

Jennifer McIntosh, 24, 50m Rifle 3 Positions Women.

Steven Scott, 30, Double Trap Men.

 

Allen, Ling, McIntosh and Scott all have previous experience at the Games, while for Hill and Kneale Rio will mark their Olympic debut. 

 

“I am delighted that the British Olympic Association have confirmed our selections for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.” Said British Shooting Team Leader Phil Scanlan. ”We have a great blend of youth and experience with a range from two-time Olympians to those experiencing their first Games.”

 

“They are all Olympic quota place winners in their own right, and to manage that in the sport of shooting is a major achievement in itself, with most having to win a medal at a major championship to get the quota.” He added.

 

Despite counting 44 Olympic Shooting medals in its history and placing 6th in the all-time medal standings, Great Britain only collected one medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, a Gold earned by Peter Wilson in the Double Trap Men, but in the words of Scanlan, "Confidence is very high" for Rio 2016.

“It feels absolutely fantastic that I’ve been chosen to represent Team GB again. The fact that I’ve won my own quota place makes it that extra bit special. It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication and help from my husband and coach Malcolm, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be in this position.” Said two-time Olympian Elena Allen.

 

“My dream of competing at an Olympics really came to me after watching the target shooting at London 2012. I didn’t understand the scale of it and how important a competition it was until that moment. Watching Peter become Olympic Champion really did inspire me. I would have done anything to compete.” Declared Amber Hill, the Baku 2015 European Games Gold medallist in the Skeet Women event.

 

“It feels absolutely amazing to make the Rio team, but also a bit surreal. It’s not sinking in. I’ve been to a few Commonwealth Games and world games, An Olympic Games will be fantastic. To have the atmosphere that Rio will bring with it will be amazing.” Said the other first-time participant in an Olympiad, Tim Kneale.

 

“It was so satisfying to know that all the hard work has paid off. Making the team is a great honour but my goal is now to perform well. After my experience at London 2012 and Glasgow 2014, I feel like nothing will phase me now.” Added Jennifer McIntosh, who is currently the only Rifle/Pistol athlete in the team, with more quotas that will be up for grabs at the 10m European Championship happening in Gyor (HUN) next Febraury.

Marco Vettoretti

 

ISSF Partners