Rio 2016 preview: R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2)

New Zealand’s Michael Johnson is perhaps the most well-known shooter in R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2) heading into the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Since winning gold at his Paralympic debut at Athens 2004, Johnson has consistently been on the podium at major events. But it has been a while since he won a gold medal, his last gold being from the 2010 IPC Shooting World Championships.

Nonetheless, a Paralympic title this September would be refreshing. But he will face stiff competition.

Great Britain’s Ryan Cockbill, ranked second behind Johnson, has come a long way since his first Paralympic experience at home in London. He had a strong 2015 season, landing his first gold medal at the 2015 IPC Shooting World Cup in Fort Benning, USA.

Ukraine’s European multi-medallist Vasyl Kovalchuk, ranked third in the world, is also expected to contend for the gold medal. He took gold in the R5 (mixed 10m Air Rifle prone SH2) at London 2012 and has honed in on the R4.

You can catch the R4 on 10 September at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. All shooting Para sport events will be contested at the Olympic Shooting Centre.