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RIP Mike English

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:43 am
by USA Shooting
USA Shooting Mourns Loss of Former Athlete/President Mike English

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (January 27, 2016)
A recent photo of Amber with her father Mike. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Olympic CommitteeWith deepest sadness and condolences, USA Shooting regrets to announce the passing of former USA Shooting National Team member, Board President/Chairman, World Champion and three-time Pan American Games medalist Michael D. English. English, an experienced diver, passed away Wednesday while diving in the Cayman Islands celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary.

“USA Shooting lost a long-time supporter with the sudden passing of Mike. We extend our heartfelt and fullest sympathy to his family during their time of grief," said USA Shooting President Dr. James M. Lally. “Mike was a hunter, a competitor, a volunteer, and a leader in our sport; he will be missed by many.”

Michael’s daughter, Amber, is a current National Team member in Shotgun (Skeet) who currently sits second behind Kim Rhode (El Monte, California) in the Olympic qualification with the final stage of Olympic Trials set for May in Tillar, Arkansas. Her 2016 season got off to a great start after recently winning gold at the Miami Cup. Amber is also an athlete representative on USA Shooting’s Board of Directors.

English was a 10-year member of the U.S. Shooting National Team from 1978 to 1988, and was a resident athlete at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center from 1981-1986. A five-time National Champion in Running Target, English earned a gold medal at the 1981 World Championships, bronze at the 1983 World Moving Target Championships, gold and bronze at the 1983 Pan American Games, gold and bronze at the 1985 Championship of the Americas, bronze at the 1986 Moscow Invitational, gold at the 1987 Pan American Games, and gold and silver at the 1988 Sweden Invitational.

In April 2001, English became President and Chairman of the Board of USA Shooting, Inc. He previously served as the National Governing Body’s Vice President and Athletes’ Advisory Council (AAC) representative (1996-2000) and was an Athlete Director on the USA Shooting Board of Directors (1988-1996).

In 2004, English started a career at the U.S. Olympic Committee where he would become the Director of the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center (CSOTC). In 2009, English became the USOC’s Chief of Sport Performance. Most recently, he was serving as a Board member for the Midway USA Foundation.

English and his wife, Ana, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary earlier this month. Ana shot rifle at the University of Kentucky. He leaves behind a son, Josh, as well.