When we talk about the future, it seems everyone has a different outlook. Some are bleak, others positive, some have no idea what’s in store. Often times you hear people saying, “The kids these days …” followed by some form of insult or lack of hope. Yet despite the economy and the issues dividing our country, I think our “kids these days” are going to do just fine.
Tracy and I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the Four Corners 4-H Shooting Team that was having a fundraiser for one of their up-and-coming skeet shooters. This amazing 14-year-old girl, Shaina Bryant, is rising through the ranks quickly and looks to be well on her way to becoming a future Olympian.
Photo courtesy of Wildcat Photography
Shaina has been competing in .22 rifle, shotgun and muzzleloading for the last four years. Last year, she placed third in state in the muzzleloading competition where kids are only allowed to compete in one discipline per year. She has brought home several ribbons from state 4-H competitions during the last four years in .22 rifle, shotgun and muzzleloading.
Lanny and Tracy Barnes prefer ATI gunstocks on their Olympic guns. Photo courtesy of Lanny and Tracy Barnes
Last fall Shaina had to move to Tucson, Ariz., with her mom. Upon arriving in Tucson, she joined the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club. She has been shooting there less than a year and a couple of weekends ago she made the Junior Olympic Shotgun Team. She now has to attend a series of development camps and competitions to move on and be accepted as a team member who will actually participate in the Junior Olympics.
Shaina is an absolute joy to be around. She is the kind of girl who sets her sights on something and fully well intends to finish what she starts. I believe she could make the Olympic team in the future. She is humble, responsible, dedicated, a hard worker and full of heart. She is very determined and willing to persevere, like no one I have ever known. She loves shooting sports and is a great example of how kids can achieve so much with the proper attitude and training. You can check her out at http://www.gofundme.com/ShainasShooting. She is a great example of how “kids these days” are not only going to do great things, but do them in a way that can inspire a nation.
Throughout our travels all over the U.S. and the world, we are given the opportunity to speak to kids at schools, clubs, and other functions about the Olympics, goal setting, following your dreams, nutrition, exercising, leading a healthy and active lifestyle, etc. After questioning the kids on what they want to be when they grow up, their future plans and goals, and how the want to run this country when it’s their time to take over, we got a lot of very exciting and positive answers. I am proud of our “kids these days” and can’t wait for their opportunity to shine.
Runnin’ and Gunnin’ with the Twins is sponsored by Advanced Technology International, manufacturer of gunstocks, shotgun accessories and bipods.
Please let us know if you have a question about training, shooting or life for them! And drop in at their outstanding website, visit, donate, shop … see TwinBiathletes.com.
