The 46-year-old from Colorado Springs suffered a major injury in combat where he broke his back but he has since become one of the world's top shooters and this year was named the 2011 USA Shooting Paralympic Athlete of the Year.

In accordance with the US Paralympics Shooting Team selection procedures, the points that Hollen won at the recent 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup in Sydney earned him a nomination to the 2012 US Paralympic Team.

At the event in Australia, he won a bronze medal in P4 mixed 50 metres free pistol and silver in the P1 men's 10m air pistol to win the first-ever Paralympic quota place in USA Shooting's history via the IPC's new quota distribution system.

"I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing programme and to the people who have helped me reach the next step to my ultimate goal, particularly my coach Bob Foth," said Hollen.

Foth also stated his pride in his star athlete.

"I am so proud of Eric and all he has accomplished," said Foth, the USA Shooting Paralympic Coach.

"Despite a long, hard trip, short acclimation time and the pressure of knowing it was the final opportunity to win a quota, he got the job done in Sydney.

"His finals have really come together and the competitive situation brings out his best.

"Eric is an Army Special Forces veteran who has really taken advantage of the unique opportunities available as a US Olympic Training Centre Resident Athlete.

Hollen will remain at the US Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs to continue his preparations for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Paralympic shooting event will take place at the Royal Artillery Barracks on the edge of Woolwich Common in South-East London.

The London port of Woolwich has a long military history and the construction of the current Royal Artillery Barracks buildings began back in 1776.

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