SHOOTING: Shooting fans can be forgiven for having a double take when action commences at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Deodoro.

The Halls inside the local army base have been designed as a replica of the Sydney International Shooting Centre, purpose built for the 2000 Games, a fact not lost on 5-time Olympian Warren Potent, who will compete in the 50 metre prone event.

“It’s quite amazing actually how much it looks and feels like being back in Sydney,” Potent said after his first training session.

“I certainly feel like I have an advantage, because I train at the Sydney venue as well as compete there quite a lot.”

The Beijing bronze medallist trained for only a brief period at the first official session, due to a combination of jet lag, a head cold, and some good form.

“Obviously travelling takes it out of you and I have a bit of a cold which impacts on balance which is crucial in my discipline,” he revealed.

“I’m actually really happy with how I shot this morning, I only had a really quick session just to get a feel for the pace and the light and it felt really good.

“I didn’t want to keep training and my form fall away.”

The blustery conditions expected during competition don’t pose too much of a concern for the 54-year old, so long as it doesn’t get out of hand.

“I like a bit of wind when I’m shooting but so long as it is consistent it won’t bother me too much.

“What can be more of an issue is the dull light. It takes a long time to adjust. That’s the main difference between here in Sydney I suppose.”

Potent will compete on day 7 (August 12) of the Games, with the qualification round at 9am (local time) and the final at 11am. 

DAMIAN KELLY
olympics.com.au