Fort Benning soldier prepares to compete in Olympics - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Fort Benning soldier prepares to compete in Olympics

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MIDLAND, GA (WTVM) -

As the world is watching London and the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Olympic Games, viewers can see several familiar faces in the crowds from west Georgia and east Alabama.

One of those is Harris County's Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond.

Richmond is in London preparing to compete in the 2012 games as a Double Trap Shooter.

"He's a country boy at heart, and he's always hunting turkey or deer, and he is always out in the woods," said Richmond's wife Scharri. "He found a way to make his passion something to earn a living on."

Scharri and friends gathered Friday night at her home in Harris County to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics hoping to catch a glimpse of their Olympian.

A Fort Benning soldier, Richmond is part of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, but this is his first time competing in the Olympics.

"I don't even know how to explain it in words how excited we are. And, we are just supporting him from back home. We are just very excited," said Scharri.

We spoke to Staff Sgt. Richmond a few weeks ago on the army post. He explained just how much he has been training.

"My training plan has been started for the Olympic team two years ago. We started this, for myself personally, last spring. I incorporated a deployment to Afghanistan as far as a physical fitness training regime as well as to help give back to the main mission of the Army right now, and that's to support the war fighters over there in Afghanistan. But more looking at my shooting right now, I've been shooting some of the best I have in my life," said Richmond.

While sporting their pride for Richmond, Scharri and the boys decided to cheer him on at home in Midland instead of making the trip to London.

"I'm kind of superstitious so when I'm there he doesn't shoot as well. So, he is more comfortable and can shoot better and concentrate on what he needs to do when I'm at home watching the boys," said his wife.

Richmond will shoot for the gold on Thursday August 2nd. Six other members of the U.S. Unit and two of their wives will also be competing in the Olympics. 

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