In a remarkable achievement, Staff Sergeants Rachel Tozier and Will Hinton from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit have secured their spots in the Olympic Trap event for the 2024 Paris Games. This success came during the second part of the USA Shooting’s Shotgun Olympic Trials, held in Tucson, Arizona, from March 11 to 17.
The competition was fierce. Both soldiers from Fort Moore, Georgia, participated in ten rounds of 25-target qualifications. They faced the country’s top trap shooters, including previous Olympic medal winners.
Tozier, hailing from Pattonsburg, Missouri, stood out in the Women’s Trap category. She surpassed 49 other competitors to claim her place in the Olympics after winning the Olympic Trials Final. Those interested in learning more about Tozier can find her Army bio online, along with photographs showcasing her marksmanship skills.
On the men’s side, Hinton, originally from Dacula, Georgia, outperformed 121 other shooters to earn his Olympic spot. Both Tozier and Hinton serve as instructors and competitive shooters for the USAMU Shotgun Team. For those curious about Hinton, his Army bio and photographs are also available online.
Securing a position on Team USA is a significant milestone for every member of the USAMU Shotgun Team. Hinton expressed his excitement, stating the achievement hadn’t fully sunk in but acknowledged the awesomeness of the moment.
Hinton reflected on the journey to making the team, emphasizing the importance of every target and point in such a competitive environment. Despite a challenging start, he remained focused on his training, which ultimately led to his success.
Tozier shared her long-held dream of making the Olympic Team, a goal she set for herself in high school. The realization of this dream left her feeling fantastic and shocked, marking a significant achievement she had aspired to for years.
Both soldiers’ dedication and hard work have paid off, allowing them to represent their country at the highest level of their sport. Their stories are a testament to the perseverance and commitment required to achieve such an esteemed goal.