Olympics 2020: Scottish shooter Seonaid McIntosh happy to chase first British medal - but it's not her best event

Scottish shooter Seonaid McIntosh will happily chase the first British medal at Tokyo 2020 but the Scot insists she is no surefire bet in the 10-metre air rifle.
Scotland's Seonaid McIntosh competes during the women's 50m rifle 3 positions shooting final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.Scotland's Seonaid McIntosh competes during the women's 50m rifle 3 positions shooting final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Scotland's Seonaid McIntosh competes during the women's 50m rifle 3 positions shooting final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The 25-year-old will draw more attention than she has ever done before when she gets up at sunrise on Saturday to hit the Asaka Range on the outskirts of Tokyo.

It’s one of two attempts at a medal for the 2019 world champion but she senses her best shot will come next week in the 3 Positions competition.

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She said: “I’m just lowering expectations. It’s not my best event. It will go wherever it goes. And if people want to try and keep pressure on me, they can.

Seonaid McIntosh at the Tokyo 2020 Team GB kitting out session. Picture: Karl Bridgeman/Getty Images for British Olympic AssociationSeonaid McIntosh at the Tokyo 2020 Team GB kitting out session. Picture: Karl Bridgeman/Getty Images for British Olympic Association
Seonaid McIntosh at the Tokyo 2020 Team GB kitting out session. Picture: Karl Bridgeman/Getty Images for British Olympic Association

“But it’s my choice whether or not to feel that pressure and or whether or not to keep it on myself. So I just go keep a level head.”

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McIntosh was inspired to train her sights on the Olympics by seeing her elder sister Jennifer make the first of her two Games appearances at London 2012, and then getting the chance to meet the stars of the sport.

But the biggest thrill of Japan may be the opportunity to brush shoulders with the greats of all sports amid the restrictions that will limit such chance meetings.

“I met Chris Hoy very briefly once, but he was in the middle of a conversation. And I rudely interrupted him to say hi and ask for a photo. But he was nice for the very brief 30 seconds I spoke to him. But I met Katherine Grainger at an awards dinner and she was awesome.

"She turned around and she was like, ‘Oh, Seonaid, It’s so lovely to meet you.’ I couldn’t believe she knew who I am. And how to say my name properly as well. I’ve always found her quite inspiring anyway, because she’s managed to do everything that she's done in sport, as well as some pretty hefty academic achievements as well.”

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