Lausanne, Switzerland, June 1, 2020: The International Olympic Committee catches up with one of the world’s brightest shooting stars, 18-year-old Manu Bhaker of India – already a Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympic Games champion in the women’s 10m air pistol and prolific on the ISSF World Cup circuit:
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN THE OLYMPIC GAMES WERE POSTPONED?
“It was a bit disappointing, but people’s health is more important than sports.”
HOW HAS YOUR TRAINING BEEN IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
“I am enjoying lockdown and doing my training at my home range. I try to see this opportunity as a positive as it has given me time to explore my painting and spend quality time with my parents.”
HOW DISAPPOINTING IS IT NOT TO BE COMPETING IN THE ISSF WORLD CUP AT THE MOMENT?
“To miss out on any competition is not good.”
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO COMPETE IN THE INTERNATIONAL ONLINE SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP?
“It was a great experience and very exciting, thanks to the organisers.”
HOW DO YOU REFLECT ON THE YOG BUENOS AIRES 2018?
“It was amazing – an overwhelming experience.”
DO YOU FEEL YOUR EXPERIENCES AT THE YOG HAVE HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESS AT THE SENIOR LEVEL?
“Yes. Every competition brings experience and can give you a boost.”
DO YOU THINK YOUR EXPERIENCES AT THE YOG WILL HELP YOU IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN TOKYO NEXT YEAR?
“Of course. The Olympic Games will be similar to the Youth Olympic Games, so it will certainly help.”
DO YOU THINK THAT HAVING AN EXTRA YEAR TO PREPARE FOR TOKYO 2020 COULD BENEFIT YOU AS IT WILL GIVE YOU THE CHANCE TO GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE?
“Not really; I was well prepared for 2020.”
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES?
“To win gold, maybe even multiple golds.”
Source: www.olympic.org