The greatest show on earth gets under way in just over a weeks time, and everybody at The Big Shoot is firmly behind Team GB.
Obviously we’ll be cheering extra loud for the GB shooting squad though, and with six of the countries best shooters all going for gold we’re in for an exciting seven days of shooting.
So to get you as excited as we are about the upcoming Olympic Games, here’s everything you need to know about Olympic shooting and Team GB.
When does is start?
The Olympic Games official opening ceremony will be held on Friday 5th August, with the shooting events commencing a day later on Saturday 6th August. In total there will be 15 different shooting disciplines with events running for an entire week, so make yourself comfortable.
Where will it be held?
All shooting events will be held at the National Shooting Centre in Deodoro, which is named after the first Brazilian to wind a gold medal Guilherme Paraense.
Which shooting events should I watch?
Obviously we’re a little bit biased but you can’t beat the excitement of the shotgun events. Keep an eye out for men’s trap, men’s double trap, men’s skeet, women’s trap and women’s skeet.
Who’s in Team GB?
Britain’s shooters are some of the best around and those going for gold in Rio are:
Amber Hill – Women’s Skeet
Elena Allen – Women’s Skeet
Ed Ling – Men’s Trap
Jen McIntosh – Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions
Steve Scott – Men’s Double Trap
Tim Kneale – Men’s Double Trap
Who’s poised for the podium?
GB’s shooters are all extremely talented and there’s a good chance they could all finish amongst the medals! Steve Scott and Tim Kneale have both recently won World Championship medals though, and they’ll be hoping to take that form into the Rio Olympics. Teenage skeet shooter Amber Hill will also be hoping to build on her World Cup win in 2015.
How have British shooters faired in the past?
In total Great Britain have won 44 shooting medals; 13 gold, 15 silver and 16 bronze. The last British shooter to win a medal was Peter Wilson, who shot his way to gold at London 2012.