Olympic Dream isn't over for Australian Pistol shooter Hayley Chapman

Competing at the Olympics and being ranked among the world’s best is every athletes dream, but overcoming the loss of that dream may be the most difficult challenge of all.

Hayley Chapman made her Olympic Pistol Shooting debut at the 2012 London Games, where she and her father (and coach) David Chapman made history as the first ever Australian father-daughter duo. Hayley narrowly missed out on qualifying for Rio this year, instead watching her father go on to compete in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.

“Initially I was heartbroken, devastated, I couldn’t even talk to anyone about it,” said Hayley. “It took me several months to come back from.”

Despite the loss, Hayley’s relationship with her dad has not changed in the slightest, and David remains Hayley’s coach, mentor, and biggest supporter.

“Within the first 5 minutes (of training) I want to throw my pistol away, but he makes me work hard and keeps me accountable. He’s learned when to be a ‘Coach’ and when to be a ‘Dad’, and I appreciate both of them.”

Hayley remains more driven than ever, determined to make it back onto the world stage.

“To others in my position, try not to make any decisions about the future for at least 4-6 months. I know I could have packed up and sold my equipment I was that upset,” said Hayley.

“Have a goal and remind yourself of that goal every day – watch your favourite Olympic moment, YouTube videos of your favourite athletes, picture yourself achieving your goal. Commit to a training regime, a nutrition program, a gym program, write it down – DO NOT let yourself be talked out of it.”

Health and fitness is a huge part of Hayley’s life, attending the gym 6 days per week and maintaining a strict diet and USANA Health Sciences supplement program.

“It’s so easy to not be concerned with nutrition… a shooter can easily forget the importance of health because we don’t need to run a certain speed or lift crazy amounts of weight. But it’s the ones that focus on recovery, nutrition, providing their body with the best that stand out,” said Hayley.

“I rely on USANA because I know my body is getting optimal amounts of micronutrients but I don’t have to stress at all about failing a drug test or keeping on top of the ‘batches’. I wouldn’t ever go a day without it.”