Price You Pay Podcast | Season 3 Episode 4

What does it truly cost to chase Olympic glory? For Josh Bell, Australia's #1 men's skeet shooter, the price tag includes unpaid leave from work, constant financial uncertainty, and precious time away from his young family – all while maintaining the intense focus needed to hit clay targets moving at blistering speeds.

When Josh boarded his flight to Paris for his Olympic debut, he carried an additional burden most athletes couldn't imagine: he didn't know if he'd have a job to return to. Despite this crushing pressure, he performed admirably on the world's biggest stage. Such is the reality for many Australian athletes who receive minimal funding without Olympic or World Championship medals already in hand.

Josh's journey began at age 12 (the minimum legal age for a gun license) under his father's watchful eye, shooting on weekends as a reward for good behavior and academic achievement. What started as father-son bonding gradually evolved into serious competition around age 15-16 after stepping away from soccer. The transition from team sport to individual competition suited him perfectly, allowing complete control over his preparation and performance.

Beyond the technical demands of skeet shooting – which requires split-second precision and the mental discipline to engage and disengage between stations – Josh navigates a unique challenge. As a firearm license holder, he must maintain impeccable behavior in all aspects of life. One altercation could trigger immediate license suspension and end his athletic career instantly. This awareness has shaped him into someone hypervigilant about potential conflicts, always planning escape routes from volatile situations.

The Aussie Athlete Fund has transformed Josh's approach to funding his Olympic journey. Rather than seeking handouts, he's learned to recognize his value and create mutually beneficial partnerships with sponsors. This mindset shift, coupled with his natural determination, has positioned him to pursue his dreams for LA 2028 – where he hopes to stand on the podium with his wife and daughters cheering from the stands.

Want to support athletes like Josh? Visit AussieAthleteFund.com and discover how you can help change the narrative for Australia's Olympic hopefuls.

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