2 minute read
Athlete Spotlight
Kevin Nguyen, Para Rifle
Kevin Nguyen is a 2020 Paralympian and most recently won gold in both R6 Smallbore and R3 air rifle at the 2022 Rifle National Championships.
How did you get into the sport of shooting?
It was a job that was offered to me by the Army after I got out of rehab for my injury. I went to Fort Benning in 2014 to tour the Army Marksmanship Unit and did a week-long clinic. It looked like a lot of fun and they offered me a position.
What is your favorite aspect about the sport?
Definitely the people and the travel. I have met a lot of great people in this sport, and I never thought that I would get to travel all over the world, it has been amazing.
What was it like to compete at the Tokyo Paralympic Games?
It felt like any other match really. I shot air first and I was nervous, so I am glad I shot that before smallbore and got all the jitters out of the way. Smallbore was my favorite event, John Joss shot next to me. We were in a good mindset and we shot our very best at the Games. I was happy with my performance.
Nguyen with his R6 Smallbore gold medal at the 2022 Rifle National Championships.
What has been your most intense competition?
It has to be Lima 2021, the last World Cup before Tokyo. It was the last chance to pick up a quota for the Games. It was a two-part qualification for smallbore and it was nerve racking. I made the final and I focused on shooting good shots. I placed second and got the quota.
Who has been the most influential person to your shooting career?
There are so many. I have met so many people throughout my career and they have all played a significant part.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to go skydiving. I also play a tabletop game called Warhammer 40k. It is a sci-fi game with characters you can buy and paint.
What is next for you?
The World Championships in UAE in November.
Nguyen competing at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games in August of 2021. Photo by Maj. Nathaniel Garcia.
