At the end of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics games, the Swiss collected 6 Gold medals out of a grand total of 11 awards.
Not too shabby for a country whose total population does not exceed 7 million.
But the Swiss are a sturdy bunch and we are lucky to have one in our midst.
Yesterday I played pétanque with (or rather against) Gnädige Frau Verena Rytter and I was surprised and gratified to see how well she did.
Gratified because I have long urged women to practice shooting and because it confirmed that Verena took my advice to heart.
Yesterday she was her team’s designated shooter and, when solicited she hit her target more often than she missed.
They beat us (curse her) but I want to claim some credit for her success.
It was I who urged her (and women in general) to try shooting, and it looks like my advice paid off.
Up to now, “shooting” had been men’s almost exclusive domain.
I have long maintained that just about anybody can become a shooter. The key to success is a thick back, practice and perseverance.
Some men might first object to a woman’s leadership position, but will fall in line when they see the results.
Winning is nice, but being an instrumental part of victory is even nicer.
For me, a few outstanding shots (even if happening once in a blue moon) are more satisfying than an overall victory.
And I suspect that most shooters feel the same way.
So, I want to congratulate Verena Rytter for her newfound fame and for her small contribution to women’s lib.
Hail to the William Tell of the West!
Hail to mountain goat and expert shot Verena (Tell) Rytter!
Alain