I just want to see how far I can go,” says a 15-year-old sophomore at Hamilton High School in Chandler. Hannah Virga contemplates an Olympic medal in the 2016 shooting competition.
Her father and mother, John and Alycia, have mentored her in the sport since she was age 6. That was nine years ago when her older brother’s Christmas present, a .22 rifle, caught her fancy and turned out to be an instrument dreams are made of.
John Virga, a pediatric physical therapist, says, “There was never a question that Hannah was going to take this very seriously and has always demonstrated a mature respect for firearms.” Hannah began official training at age 9, and was on the range at 10, when youngsters are allowed. Now the petite young woman, 88 lbs, barely 4-feet-10, “plus 3/4s inches” (she proudly adds), is competing with college-age shooters.
For a second year, Hannah has competed for a spot on the Olympic team in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center. She was the youngest of the three Arizona shooters invited. Out of 100 contestants in the air rifle division, Hannah placed 50th – last year, she ranked 85th – and is on target to secure a spot in 2016.
Since first holding that .22, Hannah’s determination has not wavered. She now trains at home with her Feinwerkbau air rifle on a Noptel electronic trainer every day, except Sunday. Twice a week, she’s on the shooting range and a regular winner in competitions. So there are no problems, right? Read further.
The scholastic honors student’s championship grit had to be tested. It always does you know, as we see in great novels. At the Olympic Training center this past May, Hannah discovered she would be competing on Sunday.
For the young woman who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this could be a deal breaker. Hannah’s belief in “keeping the Sabbath Day holy” is an important tenet of her faith.
With a catch in her throat, she knew what she had to do. Hannah would not compete on the Sabbath; her decision. That’s just how it is. What comes to mind is this: How will Hannah make it on an Olympic team without Sunday shooting? Only angels know.
But, we know what happened that weekend. She and her father put in a request to move her competition to Saturday. It would require her to shoot two relays in one day. Her father explains, “Two in one day is equal to running two marathons in a day.” Could Hannah do it? Would she?
Hannah not only succeeded, but her best score was her second relay. And, as we know, that’s what champions do.
The NRA-certified sharpshooter tells of the mental strength required: “It’s more mental than physical.” She says, sometimes her worst shooting days are her best based on what she learns. She’s aware the rigor will aid in her life choices. Her maturity in that regard is in deep contrast to students who choose not to apply themselves.
I asked her about those who seem to squander their high school years. She said, “I really wish they knew who they are – they don’t feel they mean anything to anybody. It’s sad when they feel they have no worth.”
Clearly, Hannah’s use of perseverance to refine her mental strength and achieve her goals, her highs and gratifications, is the raw material for any Olympic champion wanna-be. And, for that matter, a reminder to us all, the possibilities found in Hannah-like determination.
East Valley resident Linda Turley-Hansen (turleyhansen@gmail.com) is a syndicated columnist and former Phoenix veteran TV anchor.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 8:30 am on Sun, Jul 8, 2012.
I had the priviledge of watching Small Caliber Shooting at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles along with all the other Shooting Events. Holding an....heavy, target barreled .22lr rifle and shooting freehand at 5" targets for half an hour or so (forgot how long they shoot) really gives a person respect for the atheletes who compete. I don't think we will ever see a more beautiful shooting venue for this Event than the Peking Olympics...millions of dollars spent...filtered air....the best of the best for the shooters.
Good Luck to Hannah Virga
Engaged Voter posted at 8:34 am on Sun, Jul 8, 2012.
"It would require her to shoot two relays in one day. Her father explains, “Two in one day is equal to running two marathons in a day.”
Having competed in both sports, allow me to correct this falsehood. Shooting a relay, while both physically and mentally challenging, is NOT the equivalent to running a marathon. Only someone who has never run a marathon could say such a thing.
She could have competed on the original day, but CHOSE not to - her decision. Which is fine, but to act as if she overcame obstacles - obstacles that were only present, again, because of her personal choices and beliefs - is dishonest.
As for Hannah, kudos to you for competing, and good luck in the future. But please, try to keep people like Linda Turley-Hansen and her ilk from covering you...as you can see from this article, she just used you to further her own agenda.
Dale Whiting posted at 12:57 pm on Mon, Jul 9, 2012.
I agree whole heartedly! Good Luck, Hannah.
I have know Hannah since her birth. Her father John became acquainted with hand guns from a time when his father, a prosecutor, was threatened by an organized crime member. Hannah's older brother, Joe, is also a shooter and a good piano player. John and Alycia own a TV but with rare exception it is turned off. The family devotes itself to service to eachother and to others.
John understands that while the Second Amendment does permit him to be armed, that being armed needs to be well justified and called for. His large collection of fire arms is well secured. He and those of his children who are interested in the sport of competitive shooting are regulars at the range in northeast Mesa. Joe does the Boy Scout merit badge councelling in our congregation.
It's all about balancing. Joe and Alycia's children don't waste their time on relative meanial and unproductive entertainment, but devote themselves to those activities which either serve others or develope usefull skills. Hannah does much more that poke holes in paper from 20 yards!
Yes, Good Luck, Hannah. I'm sure we shall all be hearing much much more from you and from all of your brothers and sisters. Mom and Dad once danced in the NY ballette. That's where they met!
downtownresident posted at 8:24 am on Sun, Jul 15, 2012.
This column is nothing but a feel-good back slapping fest for Mormons. You'd think being Mormon is the only reason this girl is competing.
Too bad there aren't any Pagans worthy of your false praise.