MANILA, Philippines - Filipino skeet shooter Brian Rosario is ready for the Olympics firing off this Friday, his confidence and morale boosted by the support of his family and the Philippine National Shooting Association.
Though Rosario’s entry to the quadrennial was through the backdoor – earning a wildcard – shooting president Mikee Romero is confident that the country’s only shooting bet is up to the challenge.
“He’s doing well in practice, he’s shooting 24 over 25 now, but I hope he reaches his peak next week,” said Romero. “He’s very determined shooter and he wants to prove something.”
While he did not promise to bring home the elusive gold medal, he committed to his family to do his utmost best to make them proud.
“He didn’t promise anything but vowed to give it his best shot,” said Paul Rosario, Brian’s father, in Filipino. “He’s been shooting since 12 years old, so this is his ultimate dream.”
Romero said he will join the Philippine delegation tomorrow to personally support Rosario’s campaign.
Rosario, accompanied by his coach Gay Corral, plunges into action on Monday next week with the top six qualifiers from the field of 37 advancing to the finals the following day.
Weather is no more a problem for Rosario, saying he’s already used to it.
“Three weeks na sila dun, so they are already acclimatized,” said Romero.
Standing in his way for gold are American Vincent Hancock and Norway’s Tore Brovold – the gold and silver medalists in the Beijing Olympics.