Despite having only been in the sport for two years, Janek Janski has finished a credible 17^th in the men’s qualification of the 10m air pistol, finishing Australia's participation in shooting at the Youth Olympic Games. Janski put in a good effort to accumulate a total of 554 points.

Janski had one hour and forty-five minutes in which to complete 60 shots. It was evident the Victorian was nervous going into the competition. He started with a series of siders before moving to his actual shots, scoring 89 in the first series.

“I was really excited going into the first series and a bit shaken,” Janski said at the end of the competition.

“I slowly relaxed into it and was able to improve my shots. I found concentrating for over 100 minutes quite tiring.”

Janksi credits his improvements to discussions with his coach Anatoly Babuskin throughout the tournament. The eighteen-year-old consistently consulted Babuskin and this support bolstered his scores to 92, 94, 91, 92 and 96 in the remaining five series.

“I think I did alright” Janski said. “It was an average performance and I would have liked to have made the finals, but the competition was tough.”

Competitors from the traditionally strong shooting countries of Russia, Ukraine, China and Brazil led the point scores throughout the competition. There was only six points between first and third place with Denys Kushinnov of the Ukraine claiming first position with 578 points.

These shooters along with five others will compete in the final of the men’s 10m air pistol this afternoon.

For now the competition for Janski is over. But it won’t be long before is back at the shooting range practicing and trying to fulfill his long term goal.

“This was a great experience and has really inspired me to keep going. One day I hope to represent Australia at the Olympic Games.”