London Preview: Archers and Shooters Target Gold
Olympic archers and shooters in London: 1908, 1948, and 2012
What/Where/When: Archery/Lord’s Cricket Grounds/July 27-August 3
What/Where/When: Shooting/Royal Artillery Barracks/July 28-August 6
They are two of the oldest Olympics sports. Archery first appeared as an Olympic sport in 1900 (and only removed for the 1912 Games before reappearing permanently in 1920). Shooting has been around since 1896 (with the exception of 1904 and 1928), and has had a varied combination of over 30 events during the 116 years of the Olympics. At the 1920 Olympics, fake birds were suspended from poles for several archery events. At the 1908 London Olympics, wooden deer were used as moving targets for a single shot running deer event. My, how times have changed!
Yet, what is still a constant is the basic goal for both sports: accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. And what has always been required in both sports is focus, balance, and good eyesight.
The two sports are a throwback to the old days of gentlemen sports, when fencing, shooting, archery, and equestrian were important for producing skilled and fit military heroes. In a country that produced legendary archer Robin Hood, where hunts still occur on palatial estates, it brings a new excitement to watching these sports.
Men’s and women’s archery is most likely going to be dominated by South Korea, and the one story that I love from this country is that of two-time team gold medalist, Dong Im-Hyan. The 26-year-old archer is legally blind, amazingly overcoming one of the sport’s key requirements (good eyesight). With this impairment, I wonder if he could have competed in the Paralympic Games? With enough practice, he has trained his body to guide him to find the target, shot after shot. No matter who wins, expect the competition to be very close in all archery events.
Dong Im-Hyun of South Korea
Olympic shooting should be more difficult to predict winners. In fact, if I can be so punny, I must say that it’s almost a crap-shoot. Italian Niccolo Campriani sits atop the world rankings for 50m Rifle 3-Position and the 10m Air Rifle, yet those under him and those in other events are as varied as the members of the United Nations. A view of the top ten in each shooting event shows a wide variety of country flags from Europe, North America, and Asia.
Pfeilschifter of Germany
For the women, my money is on Germany and China, with a wager placed on Sonia Pfeilschifter. The German shooter has every award possible except for an Olympic medal. Can she finally win the elusive gold in 2012?
For a full analysis of 2012 Olympic archery and shooting, visit the BBC website.