Despite Scores, Olympic Experience On Target for Uptagrafft

LONDON - Regardless of a difficult Olympic debut for Navy Reserve Petty Officer First Class Sandra Uptagrafft, the pistol shooter's London experience has been filled with a slew of firsts, goose bumps, and memories to last a lifetime.

In women's 10-meter air pistol, shot today at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Uptagrafft finished in 28th place overall after shooting a 378. Olympic jitters, common to most rookies who toe the line for the first time at an Olympic competition, led to a turnout that wasn't in the game plan.

"Once I hit the match button it hit me that I am at the Olympic games and it kind of took me out my rhythm," Uptagrafft said. "It took me a while to settle down and refocus. That's what I was able to do my last two strings. It's really disappointing because I knew going into the match that this would happen."

Adding to her displeasure was the fact that among those who witnessed her performance was her sister Andrea, who flew in from Singapore on Saturday to watch her sister compete in a match for the first time. Uptagrafft said she was thinking to herself that 'this is not an example of what to do' and that she felt sad that Andrea had to see her shoot poorly. The outcome had no bearing on the joy Andrea felt watching her sister compete in the biggest sporting event in the world.

"It was pretty cool," said Andrea. "I was surprised everyone was so calm and calculated. I was trying to keep calm as well because I was slightly nervous and hoping for her to do well.

"I am very proud of her. I know this whole thing is overwhelming."

Upon conclusion of the match Andrea was able to give Sandra a hug. One person who was unable to do so was Uptagrafft's husband, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Due to the lack of training area at the range for those not in competition, Eric and some of his Team USA teammates flew to Denmark to get in some crucial training time before his Olympic event, men's prone rifle, which occurs Aug. 3.

Although Eric missed Sandra's match, they were able to share something much more memorable when they walked together in the opening ceremonies at Olympic Stadium. It was a moment that Sandra said will be with her forever.

"Walking into the opening ceremonies was the ultimate high," Sandra said. "I still get goose bumps thinking about it now. To walk the opening ceremonies with my husband hand-in-hand just made it that much more meaningful and something I will carry the rest of my life."

Sandra said she is enjoying the camaraderie and support being exhibited by all of the U.S. shooters, something they normally do not get to do with most matches spread out around the world. The venues and athletes village have been great. Now with her Olympic inauguration over with, she is set to move on to her next event, sport pistol on Aug. 1.

"I definitely had a learning experience here and I am hoping to take what I learned in this match and take it into my next one," said Sandra. "Hopefully this got the jitters out of the way and if I can execute my shot plan I hope to find myself in the finals."


LONDON -- Navy Reserve Petty Officer First Class Sandra Uptagrafft competes in the women's 10-meter air pistol event at the 2012 London Olympics Sunday at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Uptagrafft came in 28th place after dealing with nervous jitters at the beginning of the match. Despite today's score, Uptagrafft is relishing her first time at the Olympics.
(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)


LONDON -- Navy Reserve Petty Officer First Class Sandra Uptagrafft takes a pause to collect herself while competing in the women's 10-meter air pistol event at the 2012 London Olympics Sunday at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Uptagrafft had to overcome the Olympic jitters that most athletes making their Olympic debut endure. Uptagrafft came in 28th place and still has one more event which she can medal in, women's sport pistol on Aug. 1
(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)