Navy Reservist Earns Spot in 2012 Olympics

FORT BENNING, Ga. (NNS) -- A Sailor from Navy Operational Support Center Columbus, Ga., won the USA Shooting National Championship in the women's 25-meter pistol shoot June 5 earning her a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic shooting team.

Information Systems Technician 1st Class Sandra Uptagrafft, a Reservist, won the event held at Fort Benning. Less than three points out of more than 2,100 separated top finishing Uptagrafft from second place.

I struggled through the whole thing," said Uptagrafft. "I did not think I made it... so it was a huge relief when I heard the result."

As an information systems technician, Uptagrafft has not received applicable weapons training in the Navy that aided her in making the team. She does give credit to her assigned unit, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment, with whom she made a nine-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan from 2010-2011, with being a true enabler.

"They have been super supportive of me and my shooting," she said. "I've received moral support and they were always just really encouraging."

Uptagrafft is still competing for a national championship in women's 10-meter air pistol with the finals being scheduled for June 8. Once completed she will continue to train as much as possible at Fort Benning, which is near her home. She will, however, have to tailor her schedule to the base's operational commitments.

Uptagrafft's husband Eric, a former Navy Reservist, is a member of the men's 2012 U.S. Olympic shooting team and the two will celebrate their 12th anniversary during the summer games in London August 5. The shooting events are scheduled to run from July 28 to August 6.

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