WAIS shooter Robyn Van Nus will make her Olympic debut tomorrow night, in an event she took up when recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
At the age of 16, Van Nus was recovering from the illness and looking to take up an activity that wouldn’t be too tiring. It was then she decided to go with her mother, an international shooter, to the range and found the activity she was looking for. Now, nine years later, Van Nus is set to compete in the 50m rifle and 10m air rifle in Beijing.
However, the road has not been easy. Van Nus missed out on selection to the Athens Olympics in 2004 and turned her focus to Beijing. After her initial selection for the 2008 Australian Olympic team, her selection was challenged by rival shooter Susannah Smith. Smith failed to have the selection overturned at the tribunal and Van Nus’ place in the team was confirmed.
Speaking to The West Australian Van Nus expressed the confirmation was a huge weight off her shoulders and commented that she feels she has a chance to make the finals. Van Nus will compete in the 10m air rifle tomorrow night and on August 14 in the 50m rifle.
