Olympic Games /Olympic Countdown - Shooting: Allan taking aim

FORTY-ONE countries have won medals at shooting in the modern Olympics, evidence perhaps of the fine line between success and failure in the sport.

Only the United States, the former Soviet Union and Norway have struck gold more often than British marksmen, who have been particularly successful in modern times. Although Malcolm Cooper, who won gold in both Los Angeles and Seoul, has retired from Olympic competition, others are capable of following in his footsteps.

Alister Allan, who took silver in Seoul in the three-position event, will be competing in two events, the three-position and prone small-bore rifle.

Adrian Breton, who won the rapid fire pistol gold at the Commonwealth Games, and David Chapman, a bronze medallist there, are also in contention.

BRITISH TEAM: Small-bore rifle (three positions and prone): A Allan. 10-metre running target: D Chapman. Rapid fire pistol: A Breton. 10m air rifle: N Wallace. Olympic trap: K Gill. Men's skeet: A Austin. Women's skeet: P Le Grelle.