COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—American rifle shooter Matt Emmons has qualified for the 2012 Olympics, less than a year after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Emmons was diagnosed last September and had his thyroid removed. He was competing again several months later.
Emmons won an Olympic title in 2004 in prone rifle, although he’s received more attention for final-shot mishaps that cost him two more gold medals. In 2004, he shot at the wrong target in the 3-position competition. In 2008, also in 3-position, his gun accidentally went off while he was still lining up his last shot.
USA Shooting uses a points system to determine Olympic spots. USA Shooting announced Thursday that Emmons has qualified for 2012, pending formal approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
