Will Shaner

Will Shaner, born on April 25, 2001, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, began his involvement in shooting sports at the age of nine, participating in a small 4-H program in Rifle, Colorado. His early engagement in the sport laid the foundation for a successful competitive career. Shaner pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 2022 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, while also being a key member of the university’s rifle team.

His collegiate career at the University of Kentucky was marked by significant achievements. Shaner was named NCAA Rookie of the Year in his freshman year and earned All-American First Team honors in both air rifle and smallbore. He continued to excel, securing second place in the NCAA air rifle individual championship and contributing to team gold victories with UK during both his sophomore and junior years. These collegiate accomplishments positioned him as a prominent figure in the sport, leading to his selection for national and international competitions.

Shaner’s international career includes winning a bronze medal in rifle prone at the 2018 ISSF Junior World Championships and a gold medal in rifle prone at the 2018 ISSF Suhl Junior World Cup. A significant milestone in his career was qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he became the first American male to win an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event, setting an Olympic record in the process. His performance at the Olympics solidified his status as a top-tier athlete in shooting sports. Shaner aims to serve as a role model for aspiring shooting athletes, encouraging participation and development in the sport.