Gleniss Lawrence has landed a prestigious role at this year’s Rio Olympic Games, being selected on the five-person Shotgun jury.
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Gleniss described her selection as an honour and a thrill following just four years as a Shotgun committee member in the International Shooting Sport Federation.
“I was extremely excited when I was asked because it was such a shock. It’s a big honour and a big thrill,” Gleniss said.
The Shotgun discipline includes Trap and Skeet events for both men and women, as well as Double Trap for men – five events in total.
The main roles of the Jury is to oversee the competition officials, deal with competitors’ protests, examine the shooting range and athletes equipment, all while remaining completely impartial.
About 18 months ago Gleniss was notified of her position on the Jury, since then she’s attended at a test event at Rio and been on the Jury at a World Cup.
Along with Gleniss, the five-person Shotgun Jury for this summer’s Games is made up of four men based in Cyprus, Italy, Thailand and Brazil – the host country always has a member on the Jury.
Besides Sydney, Gleniss is the first Australian ever to be selected on a Shotgun Jury at an Olympics.
“I’ve been Chairman on the Jury at World Cups and on the Jury at World Cups but as far as the Olympics go this is the first one,” Gleniss said.
“I was shocked it was very unexpected. It’s more of an honour they must think highly of me to choose me.”
Gleniss has been involved with international shooting for a number of years including a 10 year stint with the Australian team as a manager/coach.
In 2012 Gleniss joined the International Shooting Sports Federation Shotgun Committee and in 2013 was appointed as a World Cup Jury member.
Despite the Olympics looming, Gleniss explained she has the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in the back of her mind.
“I’m very involved with the planning for that. And also in 2018 we have a junior World Cup in Australia so we’re also preparing for that.”
The Olympic Games begin on August 3, with the Shooting events starting from August 6.