Olympic Day
All shooters who pursue competitive shooting dream of competing at the Olympics someday. The Olympic Games can be seen as the epitome of the sporting spirit for most athletes. Winning an Olympic medal is the dream! This is all because of the positive and wholesome image and message behind the Games. So it is only logical that every athlete should celebrate Olympic Day, every year on the 23rd of June.
Olympic Day was first founded in 1894 with the foundation of the Modern-Day Olympic Games. On this day the newly founded Olympic Committee started the journey of creating one of the most prestigious games in the world. This is why the 23rd of June is globally celebrated as a day to promote movement, friendship, respect and excellence. Countries all over the world hold special sporting events, activities, exhibitions and educational seminars.
“Faster, Higher, Stronger” is the Olympic Motto. As such, on Olympic Day there is an emphasis on the importance of sports and an active lifestyle in every individual’s life. The lessons that sports can teach us, like team-spirit, acceptance, social coherence and tolerance are all brought to the forefront.
The Games do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, social status or religion. Participants from all over the world are welcome to participate in the sixteen day event. It is a celebration of hard work, consistency and the unification of all five continents under one banner. So with the celebration of the Olympic Day, nations from all over the world encourage their citizens to live a healthy life by incorporating sports in their lifestyle.
As shooters all of us are aware that Shooting is part of the Olympic Games, but did you know that there are a total of 15 events distributed in 3 disciplines. Shooting was introduced in the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Women debuted in the Olympics in the sports of shooting in 1968 in the men’s event. It was in 1984 that women had their own event.
In the spirit of Olympic Day we would like to mention some of the greatest shooting legends of all time to inspire all our readers to do their best starting from today.
Kimberly Rhode
Kimberly (Kim) Rhodes is a legend in the world of Shotgun Shooting and we do not say this lightly. She can be seen as one of the most successful female shooters of all time. This is because she has, not just one or two, but HALF A DOZEN Olympic Medals under her belt. She is a brilliant sportsperson who has achieved a lot.
She started shooting when she was ten and won her first Olympic Medal, a Gold, in 1996 in the Double Trap event. She went on to become the first American Athlete, male or female, to win an Olympic Medal in an individual sport consecutively for 5 years in a row in 2021. She didn’t stop there, she won another olympic bronze in 2016, maintaining her streak. Not even a pregnancy stopped her from winning an Olympic Gold. In 2012, she won a gold in London, whilst pregnant with her son. She is an idol for all shooters out there and she is proof that women can do all.
Maria Grozdeva
Next up is another amazing female athlete, Bulgarian shooter, Maria Gorozdeva. She is also a legend when it comes to shooting, as she has won 5 Olympic Medals. She is a 25M Pistol, as well as, 10M Pistol shooter, who won her first Gold in 2000 at Sydney. She became the first female who successfully defended her title at the Olympics in the 25M Pistol category. She is an experienced shooter who shows us everyday that age is just a number. Her experience is like none other and it has helped her become a legend in her field.
Jin Jong-Oh
Born in 1979, South Korea’s Jin Jong-Oh, can be seen as the most successful male shooter in current times. He won his first Olympic gold in the 2004 Olympics, and he has not stopped since. He is the sole individual to be named Olympic Champion in Shooting, FOUR TIMES. He has won THREE CONSECUTIVE GOLD MEDALS in the 50M Pistol category. But that is not the only record this legend holds. He is currently the world record holder for both 10M Air Pistol and 50M Pistol category. He is also the world record holder for 50M Pistol Finals. He is a perfect example of what hardwork and dedication can bring you.
Abinav Bindra
Everyone in India knows Abhinav Bindra as he became the First Indian to win an Olympic Gold in an individual sport in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Despite having had back injuries in the past, Bindra pushed himself to do better every second of every day and did not stop the hard work even after getting the GOLD. His career has had its ups and downs and is the perfect example for shooters to never give up. His hard work and consistent efforts resulted in his OLYMPIC GOLD. He ended up making history and that is no small achievement.
The stories of all these amazing shooters and how their careers inspire all of us is perfect for this Olympic Day. These are just a handful of legends in the shooting world and you can become one too. Reading about their dedication and success can foster hope in all our hearts and push us to be “Faster, Higher and Stronger”. One day one of us could be playing at the Olympic Games. On this Olympic Day let us all make a promise to ourselves, that no matter how hard or long the road may seem, we will never give up and one day we will achieve our goal.
If you liked our article and have more to say on the occasion of Olympic Day, tell us in the comments section below. If you want to tell us about your favourite Olympic Legend then write about them down below. Share this article with your friends and family and tell them about Olympic Day.
Keep Growing Shooters!