U.S. Olympic Pistol Team Takes Shape After Trials

by
posted on March 10, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sanderson2020-1.jpg

On Sunday, March 1 at the conclusion of the Olympic Pistol Trials held at Fort Benning, GA, the 2020 U.S. Olympic Pistol Shooting team members were selected: James Hall, Nick Mowrer, Alexis Lagan, Keith Sanderson and Sandra Uptagrafft. This summer, all five will head to Tokyo as part of Team USA for the 2020 Olympic Games.

James Hall landed on the team after coming in second to Nick Mowrer in the 10-meter men's air pistol event. His final score of 2295 was 33 points behind Mowrer.

Before the final began, Nick Mowrer already enjoyed a lead that was commanding enough to claim a spot on the team without having to shoot. However, he still competed in the finals, winning the event with a final score of 2328.

Rising shooting star Alexis Lagan arrived at Part 2 of the 2020 Olympic Pistol Trials with a high score of 1164 in the 25-meter women's pistol event. At the conclusion of the match, her winning score of 2332 earned her a spot on the team.

Three-time Olympian and 2019 NRA National Pistol Champion Keith Sanderson entered the men's rapid fire pistol final with a high score of 1157. He triumphantly shot 581 and 576 during Part 2 of the Trials to secure his spot in the the final, which Sanderson won to take the Olympic team slot. His final score was 2315. Notably, in 2017 Sanderson was named the USA Shooting Male Athlete of the Year.

Sandra Uptagrafft, who competed in London at the 2012 Olympics, was the runner-up in the 25-meter women's pistol event behind Alexis Lagan. Uptagrafft's final score was 2298. Since she finished in second place, the remaining team slot was awarded to her.

Hunter Battig and Anthony McCollum were named the 2020 Olympic Games Pistol team alternates, along with Henry Leverett for men's rapid fire.

Subscribe to the SSUSA Insider newsletter for the latest Olympic updates. Learn more about USA Shooting here.

Lead photo of Keith Sanderson courtesy of USA Shooting.


See more Tokyo 2020 Olympics coverage:

Latest

Dewarmatchhistory SBR 1
Dewarmatchhistory SBR 1

Dewar International Match: A Rivalry Fought by Mail for 100 Years

A 1952 photo highlights that year’s Dewar Team, a U.S.-Britain smallbore rivalry fought entirely by mail since 1909 and still contested today.

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional

Kevin DeMichiel took the FITASC title and finished runner-up in both the Main Event and Five-Stand at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional.

Palmyra Duo Takes High Junior Title and a Pair of Ruger 10/22s at NRA Smallbore 3-Position Nationals

Rain, wind and razor-thin margins mark team day at the 2026 NRA Smallbore 3-P Nationals.

Walton County Sweeps 2026 Daisy BB Gun Nationals

Violet Combs tops an all-girl podium and Walton County posts a perfect team test score to sweep the 59th Daisy BB Gun Nationals.

Horner Tops Modified Leaderboard at USPSA Multigun Nationals, Wins 15th Title

Daniel Horner wins Modified division title at 2026 USPSA Multigun Nationals, adding a 15th national championship to a career full of them.

Juniors Shine as Hands Across The Sea Debuts: 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship, Day 1

Junior shooters dominated the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship opener as Ruby Harris won metallic sights and the inaugural Hands Across The Sea team was selected.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.