Farmer’s son goes for gold at London 2012 Olympics

A farmer’s son is vying for glory at the 2012 London Olympics today (2 August).

Peter Wilson from Sherborne in Dorset, widely tipped as one of Great Britain’s best medal hopes, is competing in the Double Trap shooting competition.

He’s taking part in the qualification round on the morning of August 2, ahead of the event finals during the afternoon.

Peter “broke his first trap” when he was 12 and partly attributes his interest in shooting to his upbringing on a farm.

Coached by Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family and the 2004 Olympic double trap gold medallist, he’s hoping to end Britain’s 12-year medal drought in shooting.

Peter Wilson facts
Born: Dorset
Age 25
Height 198.00cms
Weight 90.00kgs

Peter is no stranger to the headlines, having broken the world record at the recent Shotgun World Cup in Tucson, Arizona, with 198 hits out of 200, beating the previous record of 196 hits.

He played down some of the anticipation, however. “People can say I’m this or that but I’m just here to shoot clays, and to shoot as many as I possibly can,” he said.

“It’s hard to put how I feel into words after being selected for Team GB to compete at London 2012. I’ve been training relentlessly for the last six years just to have this opportunity, and it really is a dream come true.

“Having a crowd of any size right behind you is always very special, but it’s going to be such a boost to have the home nation behind me. Thankfully I tend to raise my game when it matters!”