Leverett Will Compete For Team USA At Tokyo Olympics

by
posted on June 27, 2021
usa-logo1.jpg

On Wednesday, June 23, USA Shooting released a statement regarding the suspended Olympic pistol shooter, Keith Sanderson. In short, Sanderson has been replaced on the team headed to Japan next month with Tokyo Alternate Jack Leverett, III, who will compete in the men's 25-meter rapid fire pistol event, and will compete alongside his brother Henry Leverett.

The USA Shooting press release also said in part, “Sanderson has been excluded from the U.S. Delegation for Tokyo due to a suspension handed down by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.”

From its website: “The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport. We endeavor to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.”

Since the launch of the U.S. Center for SafeSport in 2017, 20 cases have been filed in connection with USA Shooting, and this is the first suspension of any kind for one of its athletes, as well as staff, volunteers and coaches.

Here is what USA Shooting Chief Executive Officer Matt Suggs said about the matter.

“USA Shooting remains committed to the safety of our athletes, staff, and volunteers and SafeSport is an important part of that commitment …This is a somber day for our organization, but we must remain focused on our final preparations for Tokyo. We have an excellent young team that has been bringing home the hardware from the recent World Cups in India and Italy.”

This year’s U.S. Olympic Shooting team is led by two-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock, and also includes top rifle shooters Mary Tucker and Lucas Kozeniesky. Additionally, Nick Mowrer of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program will be the only shooter in Tokyo competing in both rifle and pistol events. Plus, two new young shotgun stars, Austen Smith and Maddy Bernau recently won respective gold and silver medals at the 2021 ISSF World Cup for Shotgun in Lonato, Italy, and are certainly looking to keep up their momentum.

U.S. athletes have collectively won 115 medals in Olympic and Paralympic shooting competitions since the modern Olympics began in 1896. This medal count is nearly twice that of the next nation.

The Tokyo Olympic Games will begin Friday, July 23, with the opening ceremonies. Shooting events will be conducted from Saturday, July 24 to Monday, August 2. Subscribe to the free Shooting Sports USA Insider newsletter for the latest updates.


Have you seen our retrospective on the modern Olympic Games? Check out the series here.

Latest

2014 Nra World Shooting Champ 1
2014 Nra World Shooting Champ 1

Classic SSUSA: The Inaugural NRA World Shooting Championship

Begin with 159 world champions, run them through 11 shooting stages, all with standard guns provided by the match sponsors, and you end up with a new trophy and $50,000 awarded to the inaugural NRA World Shooting Champion.

Legends: Sue Ann Sandusky 1952-2024

The shooting sports community mourns the loss of Sue Ann Sandusky, a three-time NRA All-American, Army veteran and Distinguished service rifle shooter, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Gunwerks Spike Feet Set Designed To Improve Grip And Add Stability In Uneven Terrain

This new set of spike feet for the Gunwerks Elevate 2.0 bipod promises to maintain a solid grip in tough terrain.

XS Sights Expands DXT2 Pro Series, R3D 2.0 Lineup For SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory And FN Pistols

XS Sights adds models to the DXT2 Pro Series and R3D 2.0 lineups that will fit SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory and FN pistols.

Modern Technology Implemented To Surmount Logistical Hurdles: 1958 National Matches

The more than 4,000 shooters at the 1958 NRA National Matches were greeted by advanced technology used to speed up administrative tasks during the most populous period in National Match history.

Looking Back At The 2009 NRA National High Power Championship

With a single X-shot determining the winner of a 300-yard shoot-off and a surprise at the awards ceremony, the 2009 NRA High Power Rifle matches held everyone’s attention right to the end.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.