From Junior Shooter to Champion:

Born in 1968 in Saginaw, Michigan, Daryl Szarenski started out modestly, as do most shooters. In his case, it was in a junior shooting program at a local range. From there he went on to compete in high school and college, dropping out of Tennessee Tech when the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) dangled a second invitation before him. He later continued his studies elsewhere, but he kept right on shooting - and winning.

Past Experience:

Daryl has competed in the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008, along with many other shooting competitions over the two decades or so that he's been shooting seriously. Prior to 2008, his highest Olympic victory was 13th place (2004, men's air pistol), but he had already won a Bronze medal in Beijing prior to the Olympic Games, at a test event in April 2008, at the same range where the Olympic event will be held.

That win certainly put the pressure on Daryl to perform well in the 2008 Olympics.

A Notable Win:

Daryl's pre-Olympic bronze win at the "Good Luck Beijing" test event marked the first time a USA shooter won a World Cup medal in Men’s Free Pistol since 2000.

Beijing 2008:

The World Cup, however, ain't the Olympics. Daryl placed 14th in Men's 50m Pistol at the 2008 Olympics, which means his 2004 13th place in Air Pistol is still his highest Olympic ranking.