“Ready, Aim, Medal!”

By Kai Rambow

When Mary Tucker, from Sarasota, mentions her sport is shooting, she typically gets one of two reactions: “Oh, so you ski.” “Oh yeah, the ones where the things fly.”  “People think of shotgun [skeet] or biathlon,” Tucker explained.

Tucker, who won a silver medal in the new mixed team air rifle event, succeeded with her teammate Lucas Kozenisky.  The journey to a silver medal was not without challenges.

“I was 14 and picked a high school my mother didn’t want me to go to.  She said, ‘Fine, if you go there, you have to be on a sports team. I don’t know why. I guess she wanted me to be involved in something.’

“They had a night where you could see all the different teams.  The shooting team had a big banner with a rifle on it.  She tried to steer me away from that.  I said, ‘No, no.  We’re going to that one.’

“When I first started, I was very, very bad at it.  We had 20 people on the team and I was probably the worst.

“The high school coach knew I wasn’t very good and he made that known. I started becoming a little bit better and beating some of the other team members.  He said, ‘I don’t need you to be great. You need to settle for good.’ That did not sit well with me.

I ended up quitting the team.

Olympic medalist Mary Tucker. In air rifle, competitors stand and shoot for 30 minutes at 30 targets or longer. The rifle weighs about 12 pounds and is held as depicted here. Photo by Sarah Caputi │UK Athletics

“I was very fortunate to find my personal coach, Jaime.  She came up to a state qualifier.  She was supposed to be looking at the team I had just quit.  Our high school coach had asked her to come up and look at shooters on the team.  I ended up going and won.  Jaime asked, ‘What about that one?’  ‘No, no, no.  We don’t really talk to that one.’  Jaime replied, ‘but I like that one.’

“Jaime is very experienced.  She’s been to two Olympic games herself.  She saw me and said, ‘I see potential.  We’re going to make you the best.’”

In air rifle, competitors only shoot from one position – standing.  The target is about the size of a half dollar from 10 meters away (33 feet).  In individual competitions, shooters take 60 shots in 60 minutes in the qualification round.  Think about it.  Shooting accurately at a small target for one hour, all the time holding a 12 pound rifle.

Even in the mixed team event, it is individual.  “There were about 20 teams at the beginning.  Everybody shoots 30 shots in 30 minutes all at the same time.  Partners scores are then put together,” explained Tucker.

To become that good, Tucker spends many hours on the range shooting.  She also works out three times a week doing cardio, weights and other training.

While many athletes isolated from others due to Covid-19, Tucker did interact with others.  “Everybody is really open to talking with each other.  You’ll be walking around and people will walk up, ‘Hey, what sport are you?’  ‘What country are you from?’  ‘Do you have a pin?’  Pins were a big deal.  The whole atmosphere of the games is really cool.”

Tucker is studying kinesiology at the University of Kentucky and wants to go into coaching. She will continue to compete at the college level and has her sights set on the next Olympics. She graciously gave us some time the day before starting classes. We thank her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

IN THE TOP PHOTO: Mary Tucker and Lucas Kozenisky won silver in the mixed team air rifle event.  Unlike archery, all competitors shoot at the same time and their scores are combined when the time has expired.  (Photo courtesy of Mary Tucker).

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

“Safer at Home” order in effect March 27, 10 p.m.

“Safer at Home” order in effect March 27, 10 p.m.

From Hillsborough County Emergency ManagementHillsborough County has issued a “Safer-At-Home” order to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This applies to all residents within Hillsborough County, effective as of 10 p.m. on March 27, 2020....

The March 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The March 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue… Save the Date for the Senior Summit with AG Barr and AG Moody on March 3, as well as the can’t-miss community-wide celebration of FunFest on March 21. Hear from the SCCCA Long-Range planners, meet a local Creative Person with...

Set Sail with Your Pups to The Bay Area Renaissance Festival

Set Sail with Your Pups to The Bay Area Renaissance Festival

Anchors aweigh! The Bay Area Renaissance Festival invites you to bring your furry friends and Pirates Best to Pirates and Pups Fest weekend, February 29 – March 1. Piper’s Valley, the Festival’s special event area, will feature Pet Vendors and Competitions...

The February 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The February 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue… Celebrate outstanding community volunteers; read the highlights from the SCCCA Membership Meeting; save the date for the Long Range Planning Committee Report and the Hurricane Preparedness Meeting; celebrate an outstanding woman...

Learn About IRS Scams

Learn About IRS Scams

Our Community Resource Deputy Jeffery Merry is speaking on Government Imposter Scams and IRS Scams this month. Don’t miss this important, informative seminar.Three times, and locations to choose: Tuesday, January 14, at 10 a.m.The Caper Room, Sun City...

The January 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

The January 2020 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS

In this issue… Relive the “Holiday” fun of the Cart Parade, Breakfast, and Walk. Bask in the warm glow of festive holiday lights. Celebrate another successful SCC Shrine Club Children’s Christmas party and shimmering Apollo Beach boat parade....