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Eventually I plan to gradu-


I would like to accomplish all the goals I have set for myself, which includes be- ing the best in my fi eld. Un- til then, I will be slowly but steadily checking each mile- stone goal and daily goal off of the list. It all takes dedica- tion. In the past year, I have spent less than four weeks home. I sometimes regret that I cannot see family and friends as often, but they un- derstand this is a goal I am pursuing.


Aside from his recent successes and podium fi nishes, he also fi nds joy in his matches and every- day training. My favorite part of shoot-


ing is having fun in what I do. Before every round I shoot, my parents always say, ‘Go have some fun,’ and that is exactly what I do. When I am having fun shooting, hitting targets feels almost effortless. When I reach this place, the targets seem easy. In this state of mind, I fi nd enjoyment when I com- pletely smoke a target; hit- ting it so hard that much of what’s left is a cloud of black smoke and small pieces. I get the satisfaction of know-


ing I couldn’t have made a better shot at the target.


After getting to know


Walker, there is an eas- ily read dedication to the mental side of shooting that comes from hearing him talk about high-pres- sure matches. With his next match being his fi rst overseas in Azerbaijan, he calmly responds with- out waver as he discuss- es his goals as part of the Junior National Team. I will be bringing together


everything I have been work- ing on lately to Nationals; simply put, I will be practic- ing what I have been training day in and day out. Overseas, I look forward to starting my career as a world-class shooter. I will be doing what I always do - working to im- prove upon myself. I realize there are Olympic quotas up for grabs, but I will still be shooting for myself.


While talking to Walk- er about his future in life and his career, more goals arise with the same clear goals and a sharp focus.


ate college. After undergrad, I plan to go to grad school for physical therapy and pos- sibly business. I plan to op- erate my own CrossFit gym someday, along with hav- ing a day job as a physical therapist. By being a physi- cal therapist, I can help oth- ers. I fi nd enjoyment help- ing others, volunteering at a local hospital and within my community. My shooting career goal is to leave a last- ing impression on this sport. The impression I would want to leave behind is a selfl ess, goal-driven and determined person. I believe you only are far as you stand and as close as you can look. I take my major career goals one at a time. I plan to re- tire from competitive shoot- ing one day, but until then, I hope to build a legacy.


As Walker mentions


above, helping others has been a passion he holds steady to, even amongst his recent Trap fame. While wrapping up our talk with Walker, he offered this advice to the young shooters who also compete in the sport he loves. Have fun! The greatest


asset you will ever have is yourself, but the same goes for the greatest enemy to you


is you.


If you aren’t having


fun, think about when you were having fun and head back to that place in your mind. I remind myself of my fi rst round I shot ever when I feel down. I laugh at how far I have come from there. My other words of advice I have learned over the years are don’t be embarrassed at what you shot, good or bad. You should always shoot for yourself. Don’t worry about the nonsense. I always tell myself shoot to better for me, not to win a trophy, money, a medal or fame. My strategy going into a match is to maintain the normal things I do and let the cards fall where they want. If your best isn’t the best, that’s just more motivation to be better.


Walker has much more to prepare for after being named to the 2015 Pan American Team traveling to Toronto, Canada. I am looking forward to


showing myself that anyone who just started this game two years ago can com- pete with the best; as long as you believe you are the best. I will have no problem showing myself that I be- long amongst the best in the world.


July 2015 | USA Shooting News


63


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