Clay Piegon shooter Mitchell Brooker-Smith has set his sights on Olympic gold in Los Angeles, saying he can “absolutely” qualify for the coveted event.
The 22-year-old has had a successful career on the circuit for his young age. Having competed all around the world in the likes of Morocco, Qatar and Greece, where he has had success at group and individual tournaments.
But now he’s looks to be on the top of the mountain, as he envisions taking his career to a new high with a Team GB spot in the United States, as 2027 looks to be a very busy year for the shooting prospect.
Speaking of his preparation for qualifiers, Brooker-Smith believes he has the requirements necessary to further his game, not just from an ability side but also from his personality.
“I’d say 90% of it is how you approach it mentally. So, you could be the most technically strong at what you do, but if your mind’s not in the right place, that can really stop you from performing and achieving the results that you know you’re capable of. On top of all the physical elements, like putting in the time on the range, my fitness, and my health, there’s making sure my mind’s in the right place to compete, and that doesn’t start when I’m out there.
“My sort of stepping stone goals to get there are things like achieving medals at other big international competitions, like our World Cup Series, World Championships, European Championships, and World Cup Final, things like that.
“I consider those my stepping stones to get to the ultimate goal, which is to get to the Olympics and hopefully become Olympic champion.”
Brooker-Smith did try to qualify for the 2024 games in Paris but was ultimately unsuccessful. This time, however, he believes there is something different in the air, with more experience at bigger tournaments giving him the step he needs for the big time.
“I definitely believe I have the capability to do it. Otherwise, you know, I wouldn’t have— I wouldn’t be putting in the work that I do and giving it the time. The belief is there, and I can envision myself in my mind’s eye doing it.
“Do I believe that I could make the Olympics in 2028, and could I see myself there? Absolutely, I can. But in relation to that, there has to be this, this confidence to almost let that outcome go and just keep working as hard as I can control the controllable, and just almost go with the flow a little bit and just have faith that hard work will get me there.”
PARKLIFE SPORT- Gloucester Rugby, Forest Green Rovers and more to follow
