Alana Townsend of Kalispell is aiming higher.

So is Tyler Volkman of Columbia Falls.

Both have their sights set on — yes, the Olympics.

And it’s not a pipe dream.

The two teenagers are accomplished shooters in 10-meter air pistol and have already assembled an impressive competition resume.

“One of my future goals,” Townsend said.

“I really hoped for 2016 (Olympics), but with school (it will be difficult) ... so 2020 is definitely the year.”

Townsend is a freshman at North Dakota State University and is a member of the school’s club shooting team.

“I have the dedication,” she said of achieving fame in her sport.

“I need to work on my mental skill a little bit ... work more on practicing and training.”

Volkman is an 18-year-old senior at Columbia Falls High School.

“I wanted to make the 2016 Olympics, but the Olympic trials have already been held,” Volkman said for the men.

“I want to go to the 2020 Olympics.”

Both can realistically talk about the Olympics after their performances April 2-6 at the 2013 Junior Olympic National Shooting Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Volkman finished second in men’s 10-meter air pistol (one-handed standing).

He placed 42nd his first time at JOs, jumped up to 19th place the following year and finished fourth last year.

“I’m very happy with it,” he said of his showing in Colorado.

“The first year, two weeks before the championships, I switched pistols. That played a factor (in finishing 42nd). Once I had a year to practice, I got back up there where I should be.”

His April performance earned him a spot on the Junior National Team, which has 16 shooters.

“I think it’s just practice and being able to have access to coaches who help,” he said of being successful.

“Really, just a lot of years of practice pays off.”

Townsend did even better in Colorado. She won the women’s 10-meter air-pistol title after having finished second twice and fourth once in previous competitions.

“I was really relieved and happy that I had that opportunity and that I could finally finish my goal of winning Junior Olympics,” she said.

“I stepped up my game, put my head into what I was focusing on, which was winning.”

Volkman will switch targets this weekend in Lewistown for another one of his shooting passions — the Montana State 4-H Archery Qualifier.

The event is Sunday and he will compete in compound archery — unlimited and bow hunter.

Volkman has won state five of the last six years and has competed at nationals six times.

Townsend, on the other hand, will be competing with Team USA in Ft. Benning, Ga., at the World Cup. That also begins Sunday and runs through May 12.

The former Glacier High School student/athlete is in the women’s air pistol division.

The World Cup will have 14 other nations in attendance and more than 300 competitors. It also includes rifle.

“(My coaches) told me to focus on what I know and that’s all I can do,” she said for the World Cup.

“I sure hope so,” she said of a top 10 finish in her discipline.

“We’ll just see what happens.”

To compete with Team USA in the World Cup, Volkman finished fourth out of nine in a tryout match in Colorado in March.

“I know I have the skill and ability,” she said.

“It just depends on how nervous I am. I just want to have fun and do the best I can. That’s my goal.”

Townsend began shooting air pistol at the age of 12 with Flathead County Shooting Sports.

“When I first started, I wasn’t used to the whole concept,” she said.

“But when I got the hang of it, I picked it up right away.”

Volkman’s introduction to shooting was also through the county program. That was six years ago.

“It looked like something I would enjoy and I got pretty good at it in time,” he said.

“Started shooting at small invitationals and winning. Went to state, did well there. Then went straight to the national level.”

He has competed at National 4-H four times. He finished sixth his first year and has been in the top 15 all four years.

“Just being determined and wanting it,” he said of what motivates him.

“Ever since that first year to place first or second and be on the Junior National Team.”