By: Joe Warta
Nebraska rancher and skeet shooter Frank Thompson has some twenty years of experience shooting, and a catalog of accomplishments to show for it.
Thompson made it to the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and has collected gold, silver, and bronze medals in numerous different competitions. He fills his time working on his family’s ranch and taking part in competitions across the world, including Chile, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
Thompson took a few minutes to share some insight into the sport of shooting he’s gained over the past two decades:
GPM: What made you get into the sport of skeet shooting in the first place?
Thompson: I got into the Olympic style of skeet by accident initially. I didn’t even know it was an Olympic sport. Before that I was a sporting clays shooter and happened on to it in a side scholarship event I usually didn’t shoot. Before that, though, I have always loved shooting. I was a serious archer from about 4-12 and got into shotgun at about 10. I have always loved hunting. It started with hunting rabbits with my dad and sister with our bows.
GPM: What advice would you give to shooters, either aspiring professionals or hobbyists, who want to improve their skills?
Thompson: My parents had always taught me to work hard at what I was doing and do a good job. I think it is that determination and ability to keep trying even when things aren’t going great that has gotten me where I am. Always be willing to put in the extra hours and try that extra step no one else is. That is what will set you apart. It is hard to beat someone who never quits.
GPM: What would you say is the hardest part about being a professional shooter?
Thompson: The hardest part of being a professional shooter for me is focusing on winning matches. I like ranching, my day job, and all shooting sports, so it can be easy to drift to learning more about grazing and cattle, or hunting and getting better at pistol or rifle, instead of focusing on competition. A good plan for the year helps me a ton for this. If I have all my trips planned out, I know when I can take some time to go play or when it’s time to stay focused and train hard.
GPM: What is your firearm(s) of choice?
Thompson: My favorite gun of choice is the Krieghoff Parcours. I got these barrels after the last Olympics and wish I had made the change a lot sooner. The ease of moving this light gun has changed my game. I get the chance to hunt with a set of the K20 Parcours this fall. I’m pretty excited to get out and get some birds after my last match of the year in Mexico.
Joe Warta is a Regional Director with the National Association for Gun Rights writing from Colorado. Contact him at [email protected].
Photo Credit: Facebook