If "real life" doesn't get in the way, five-time Olympian trapshooter George Leary believes he can win a medal at the 2000 Olympics. One of Canada's least known but most successful international athletes, Leary was eighth at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics but recent strong performances put him among Canada's top medal contenders.

  At a World Cup on the Olympic range in Sydney this year, he won the silver medal against virtually the same field he'll face in September. Other career highlights include three British Grand Prix titles, numerous World Cup medals, and last year's bronze at the Pan Ams where he needed a perfect final round to step on the podium and earn Canada the Olympic spot.

  "These Olympics are my chance to shine," said Leary, married with two children who do not shoot. "I've been at it a long time. I have the maturity and the outlook which should give me the ability to perform well."

  Leary is a true amateur athlete. He works full-time as management consultant for eLoyalty in Newmarket. Yet he can still beat many of the world's best marksmen who are full-time professionals.

  "I still have to live and work," said Leary. "It's not easy to juggle competitions, training and a family. But it's the life I've chosen. I should train three times a week but we don't have the facilities to do that. We don't have the advantage the other countries have."

  The 2000 Olympics could represent the final chapter in his brilliant career. It would be a fitting end. His first international meet back in 1973 at age 16 was at the world championships in Australia.

2000 Games
Sept. 17: George Leary, Newmarket, Ont., finished in a tie for 10th after second day of qualifying, failed to advance to final.
Sept. 16: George Leary, Newmarket, Ont., was in fifth place after first day.


Photos
George Leary clears his chamber during
George Leary during trap shooting qualifications


2000 Games Shooting Coverage