ANNISTON, ALA. – Braden Michalak,
Theron Hull-Walton, and
Meghan Mix delivered a competitive showing at the 2026 National Junior Olympics, April 8-13. Michalak led the group with a ninth-place finish in the Air Rifle.
Official Results
Michalak served as The Citadel's top finisher, placing 41st overall in the 50m Three Position, shooting a mark of 552 and 549 for a total score of 1,101. Michalak finished ninth overall in the 10m Air Rifle event, shooting 616.8 and 621.5 for a total score of 1238.3.
"While Smallbore gave me the chance to enjoy the spirit of the sport alongside old teammates and friends, I approached Air Rifle with focus and a little fun," said Michalak. "I secured fifth place in the men's overall qualification, which is now one of my proudest milestones in the sport. It was a distinct honor to stand among the elite and represent my teammates on the line."
Hull-Walton placed 39th overall in the 10m Air Rifle event, with scores of 606.1 and 608.1, finishing with a total of 1214.1.
"Junior Olympics is always an extremely fun competition because only the best of the best qualify," said Hull-Walton. "While I didn't perform exactly as I wanted, I still learned valuable lessons and gained invaluable experience that will set me up for next year. The best part was competing with my sister in the sport we love for the first time in over three years."
Finally, Mix recorded a total score of 1103 in the women's 50m Three Position, finishing 83rd overall with scores of 553 and 550. Mix also competed in the 10m Air Rifle event, placing 76th overall with scores of 616.5 and 611.6 for a total of 1228.1.
"Junior Olympics has always been my favorite match to shoot, and it's bittersweet to know this was my last year competing since I've aged out. While I didn't shoot as well as I had hoped, I still had an amazing time overall," said Mix. "Seeing all my friends, spending time with my family, and shooting alongside my sister made this match incredibly special. No matter the score, these are the moments I'll remember most, and I'm so grateful for all the memories this match has given me over the years."
