When the London Olympics were in full swing four years ago Willett was plying his trade as a junior skeet shooter.

Now 20, Willett has switched to the Olympic discipline of double-trap and become the world’s number one-ranked competitor.

It’s been a remarkable rise, given Willett only took up double-trap shooting little over 18 months ago.

“James could do very well, his temperament is very good, he won’t be overawed by the occasion,” Boyd said.

“He takes everything as it comes.” 

Willett will have his hands full on Wednesday, starting with Russian shooter Vasily Mosin.

The 44-year-old is competing at his fourth Games, having won a bronze medal at the 2012 event in London.

Silver medallist from the 2012 Games, Sweden’s Håkan Dalby, will also be a key competitor.

“Mosin is a strong contender for a medal, if not gold,” Boyd said.

“He’s performed well all year, he’s very experienced.

“The ones that typically shine at the Games are the Russians, Americans and Italians.” 

Boyd said he was particularly wary of American duo Glen Eller and Joshua Richmond. 

“They might be thereabouts throughout the year, but the Americans excel at the Olympics,” he said.

“The team spirit they bring to the Games drives them, they have such unbelievable pride in the country.

“They may not be the strongest World Cup competitors, but they always find a way at the Games.”  

Having benefited from the opportunity to compete at the Olympic venue earlier this year, Boyd said Willett would be ready for any kind of weather Rio could throw at him.

“James liked the range, it was hot when he was first there but the weather will have cooled off a bit now,” he said.

“He's been in Rio for a week or so, he would have acclimatised now.

“He's shot at a lot of different venues around the world, he's sued to shooting in extreme conditions in Australia.

“The conditions won't make any difference to him.

“If scores are down because of wind or anything like that it won't be affecting James.

“It'll be an advantage for him if conditions are rough.” 

The qualifying rounds commence at 10pm Australian time, with the semi-finals to follow at 4am.