Recognizing the top performers in each discipline for the 2012 season, we showcase two additional Olympic medalists in rifle: Jamie Gray and Matt Emmons. Additionally, Emil Milev cap- tures his second straight pistol nomina- tion, while we recognize Josh Olson as the Paralympic Athlete of the Year as well.
Long considered one of the top rifle shooters in the world, Gray finally got the hardware that solidifies that recognition on the sport’s biggest stage this summer in London. After an impressive run of making finals in each of four Olympic events she competed in, almost finally became utmost. She added a fifth-place finish to her growing resume as well in capturing her second AOY nomination in women’s rifle. Pundits can write Emmons’ Olympic
history any number of ways. Some may choose to focus on the gaffes that cost him two Olympic medals and very nearly a third. But the body of work sug- gests simply that Emmons is one of the best marksmen in history. His three Olympic medals and 47 shooting medals overall greatly outweighs those Games mishaps. Becoming just the fourth shooter ever to win individual rifle shooting medals at three or more Games, Emmons will not only receive a 2012 AOY nomina- tion but more importantly the respect he’s earned.
A PE teacher from Tampa, Fla., who
found a new shooting life in America, Milev is the lone Pistol AOY nominee for his performances in 2012. Milev finished fourth at the Milan World Cup and finished 13th in his fifth Olympic appearance. The former Bulgarian rapid-fire pistol shooter had put the gun away for good prior to his move to the United States, but connecting with coach Vladimir Chichkov helped re-invigo- rate his career.
Emmons earned medals in London and now have the shooting prestige that accompanies it. Photo Teddy Smith
Right: Josh Olson earned the Paralympic
AOY nomination for a 12th place finish in Lon- don and a stirring climb to prominence. Photo Daniel Shirey Bottom: We salute Emil Milev for his 2012 performance as a pistol shooter. Photo Vladimir Chichkov
Josh Olson made history in 2012, not by
performance but by participation. In making the U.S. Paralympic Team and competing in London he became the first active-duty soldier to compete in the Paralym- pic Games. The Sergeant First Class member of the
Army’s Marksmanship Unit had hoped for better results than 28th in Mixed 10m Prone Air Rifle and 12th in the Mixed 50m Prone Rifle, but his mere participation helped pave a road far greater than any medal could have done. The bigger picture, as the U.S. Army so aptly put it after his event, was this: “he has blazed a trail for all wounded warriors who think they may be down—they are not. They can find themselves representing their country once again on the world’s grandest stage for Paralympians.”