Phillip's Story
Phillip Maxwell “Phil” Adams OAM is one of Australia's most distinguished sport shooters, representing Australia at four consecutive Olympic Games, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Born in Forbes, New South Wales, on 29 July 1945, Adams built an international reputation as one of Australia's finest pistol shooters.
At the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, Adams competed in both the men's 10m air pistol and 50m free pistol events. Atlanta marked his fourth Olympic appearance, following Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992. His best Olympic result came at Seoul 1988, where he finished equal 15th in the 10m air pistol competition.
While Olympic medals eluded him, Adams enjoyed extraordinary success at Commonwealth Games level. Between 1982 and 2002, he won a record-equalling 18 Commonwealth Games medals, comprising seven gold, nine silver and two bronze medals. His achievements included victories in free pistol, air pistol and centre-fire pistol disciplines, establishing him as one of Australia's most successful Commonwealth Games athletes.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to shooting, Adams was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1991. He also won the 10m air pistol title at the 1992 Benito Juarez World Cup in Mexico City and was inducted into the New South Wales Hall of Champions. His long and successful career made him one of the most respected figures in Australian shooting sports.
