Paralympic Bronze Medal Winner McKenna Dahl | 2018 SHOT Show TV Studio

Published on January 25, 2018
Duration: 4:17

This video features Paralympic bronze medalist McKenna Dahl discussing her experience in 10-meter air rifle shooting. She highlights the extreme precision required, with targets the size of a period and bullseyes divided into tenths for decimal scoring. Dahl emphasizes the significant mental fortitude and dedicated training, including sports psychology and mindfulness, necessary to compete at an elite level, especially under pressure.

Quick Summary

Elite 10-meter air rifle shooting demands extreme precision, with targets the size of a silver dollar and bullseyes as small as a half-millimeter period. Decimal scoring further increases the challenge, requiring 'deeper tens.' Paralympic classification accounts for disabilities, and athletes like McKenna Dahl train rigorously, incorporating mental conditioning to perform under pressure.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction with McKenna Dahl
  2. 00:10Paralympic Achievement
  3. 00:34Competition Field Size
  4. 00:4710 Meter Air Rifle Discipline
  5. 00:52Paralympic Classification Explained
  6. 01:07Target and Bullseye Size
  7. 01:34Decimal Scoring Explained
  8. 01:48Years in the Sport
  9. 02:03Training Regimen
  10. 02:11Olympic Training Center Life
  11. 02:22Holistic Training Approach
  12. 02:34The Mental Game of Shooting
  13. 02:43Preparing for Tokyo 2020
  14. 03:07Overcoming Setbacks
  15. 03:22Advice for Aspiring Shooters
  16. 03:53Looking Ahead to Tokyo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of the target in 10-meter air rifle?

In 10-meter air rifle, the entire aiming circle target is about the size of a silver dollar. The bullseye itself is incredibly small, approximately half a millimeter, comparable to the size of a period in newsprint.

How does Paralympic classification work for air rifle shooters?

Paralympic classification for air rifle is based on an athlete's disability. For instance, individuals with upper body impairments might be allowed to use a spring stand to help equalize the competition for all athletes.

What kind of training does an elite air rifle shooter undertake?

Elite air rifle shooters dedicate significant time to physical practice, often 3-4 hours daily, 5-6 days a week. This is supplemented with sports psychology, mindfulness, nutrition, and strength and conditioning to build both physical and mental resilience.

Why is the mental game so important in competitive shooting?

The mental game is paramount because once the physical skill to hit the target is developed, the challenge becomes performing under pressure. Learning to control reactions to unexpected events and moving past mistakes quickly is crucial for success.

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