A Grande Prairie based athlete has been named a first alternate on the Women’s Air Pistol team for the 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru.
Elizabeth Gustafson, who currently trains in the area, says it has been a lifetime of work to get to this point, and it started locally.
“We have a program down at the Wapiti Shooters Club where we teach people how to shoot. Specifically, the junior program on Thursday nights and that’s how I started. I learned there, and it’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of travel and a lot of fun.”
Gustafson adds it is a distinct honour to be able to represent Grande Prairie, as unlike many athletes, she was able to stick close to her roots while learning her trade.
“I’ve been able to do all my training here in Grande Prairie and area to be able to get to this level. I didn’t have to move to a major centre or go somewhere else to become an international athlete.”
Now coaching the very junior teams she used to be a member of, Gustafson says whether it’s a young man or woman, she is happy to be able to spread some knowledge of the sport she herself grew up loving.
“I have been able to see some of the impacts over the years of showing people it’s ok to compete, it’s ok to win, it’s ok to lose. You can have dreams, work towards them and have fun along the way.”
The 2019 Pan Am Games kick off July 9th in Lima, Peru.
