London Olympics: Crowd gets loud at rifle competition

LONDON — Rifle shooting has never been the rowdiest of sports.

Competitors stand absolutely silent, focused on the target, squeezing off one shot after another. The crowds — a relative term — watch intently and respectfully.

But the 10-meter air rifle competition at the 2012 London Olympics had a different sort of feel on Saturday, the action punctuated by frequent bursts of applause.

British shooter Jennifer McIntosh was taken aback — until she realized that all the clapping was for her, the hometown crowd showing their support after every good shot.

“We’re not exactly used to that but it was phenomenal,” McIntosh said.

At one point, the 21-year-old athlete stepped away from her rifle and offered a wave toward the stands.

“Actually, I found it really helped,” she said. “It gave me something to laugh about, which helps deal with the nerves.”

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