William Shaner is a name that has been making waves in the world of shooting. This young and talented athlete from Colorado has achieved incredible feats in a very short time. Shaner is the current world record holder in Men’s 10m Air Rifle, which he achieved during the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi in March 2021. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of William Shaner, and explore what makes him such a remarkable athlete.
Early Life and Background
William Shaner was born on July 29, 2001, in Colorado, USA. He grew up in a family of hunters, and his father introduced him to shooting when he was just five years old. Initially, Shaner was more interested in hunting than competitive shooting, but his interest in the latter grew as he started participating in local shooting competitions.
Shaner attended Colorado State University, where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. However, he decided to take a gap year in 2020 to focus on his shooting career. This turned out to be a wise decision, as Shaner’s shooting skills improved significantly during this period.
Career Highlights
Shaner’s rise to fame began in 2018 when he won a bronze medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event at the USA Shooting National Championships. The following year, he won a silver medal in the same event at the same competition.
In 2021, Shaner participated in the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, India. This was his first major international competition, and he made quite an impression. In the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event, Shaner shot a world record score of 251.6 points in the final to win the gold medal. This score was 0.4 points better than the previous world record, which had been set by China’s Yang Haoran in 2018.
Shaner’s achievement was all the more remarkable because he had only recently switched to a new rifle, the Walther LG400. He had been using an Anschutz rifle before that, but he found that the Walther LG400 suited him better. Shaner’s precision and focus in the final were exceptional, as he shot 29 consecutive 10s to break the world record.
Shaner’s win at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi earned him a quota place for the USA Shooting Team at the Tokyo Olympics. He will be representing the United States in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event at the Olympics, and he is considered one of the top contenders for the gold medal.
Training and Technique
Shaner’s success can be attributed to his dedication and hard work. He trains for six days a week, putting in up to eight hours of practice each day. He focuses on improving his technique and mental toughness, which are essential for success in shooting.
Shaner’s shooting technique is based on consistency and precision. He believes that every shot should be treated as a separate entity, and that the key to success is to focus on each shot individually. Shaner also pays attention to his breathing and heart rate, which can affect his aim. He uses relaxation techniques to keep himself calm and focused, even under pressure.
Future Prospects
William Shaner is still very young, but he has already achieved a lot in his shooting career. He has a bright future ahead of him, and many believe that he will become one of the best shooters in the world in the coming years.
Shaner’s performance at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi has made him a household name in the shooting world. He has proved that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and
