USA Shooting Team Members to visit White House Friday

Ten members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team for Shooting will join other members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams in a White House visit Friday morning in Washington, D.C.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will welcome the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams to the White House to honor their participation and success in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.  The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. ET on the White House South Lawn.

The shooters who will attend the White House meet-and-greet include Olympic gold medalist Jamie Gray (Lebanon, Pa.), Amanda Furrer (Spokane, Wash.), Jason Parker (USAMU/Omaha, Neb.), Eric and Sandra Uptagrafft (Phenix City, Ala.), Josh Richmond (USAMU/Hillsgrove, Pa.), Daryl Szarenski (WCAP/Seale, Ala.), Emil Milev (Tampa Bay, Fla.), Nick Mowrer (Butte, Mont.).  Also participating will be USA Shooting’s Dave Johnson, formerly the National Team Coach for Rifle, and now the Director of Operations for the Colorado Springs based organization.

Traditionally, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams are guests of the White House shortly after the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

Gray highlights a 20-member team that became just the second USA Shooting squad since 1924 to win three Olympic gold medals while also adding a fourth medal when Matt Emmons (Browns Mills, N.J.) earned a coveted bronze medal in the 50-meter three-position rifle event.

“It is awesome to get Team USA all back together again and celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics at the White House,” Gray said.  “I am excited to get a tour since I have only ever been on the outside.  This is a great way to wrap up the Olympic season.”

In two Olympic Games, Gray has asserted herself as one of the top sharp shooters in the world having reached the finals in all four of the events she’s participated in and never finishing lower than fifth in any Olympic competition.

“I can’t wait to see all my teammates from USA Shooting and all my newfound friends from Team USA,” said Furrer.  “It’s going to be nice to celebrate together when we can all relax and not worry about competition.  Hanging with the best athletes in the world is always a good time and there’s no better way to recognize Team USA than by bringing us to one of the most symbolic American landmarks.”

The USA Shooting team participating in the White House celebration has competed in a combined 20 Olympic Games.  Pistol athletes Szarenski and Milev have competed in the four Olympic Games while the Sergeant First Class rifleman Parker has competed in four Games as well.

“Being reunited with the 2012 team brings back a rush of positive emotions from the Games,” said Staff Sergeant Richmond, the lone shotgun shooter participating in the event. “Not only am I excited to visit the White House, but I am looking forward to celebrating our team’s success on home soil at our nation’s capital. I’m extremely proud and honored to be a part of the greatest country and greatest team.”