METROPOLITAN CLAY TARGET CLUB INC.

On Monday the 8^th of September I left Melbourne Airport to begin my journey to the World Championships held in Cyprus, where I would be competing in 75t ISSF Junior Womens Trap. The journey began with several long plane fights but to my relief, about 33 hours later, we landed in Larnaca, Cyprus.

The heat hit me instantly, as I found myself drinking more than 6litres of water daily.

We had early mornings the next few days, as we were straight into our training. I had two rounds of practice the first day and one round of training on the official practice day. I was fairly consistent with my training rounds, however I knew I needed to improve.

With comforting words from my father, who was back home, and fellow team members, my confidence began to grow and I knew that I could progress.

Another early morning, on the day of the competition, but surprisingly I was very calm and relaxed, thanks to my roommate Emma Eagles.

When I arrived at the Nicosia Gun Club, I prepared myself for my event including receiving a massage from the team masseur, D Roach. I tried to stay relaxed, yet focused on the objective that I set out to achieve. I was focused on my targets and not worrying about what the end result could be. As the conditions were very warm, I had to make sure that I continue to keep myself hydrated. As I prepared myself to shoot my first 25 targets of the trap event, I began to feel anxious. Greg Chan, the Australian Coach, was great as he provided me with some encouragement, moments prior to entering the layout. On the first day of competition, we had to shoot two rounds of 25t trap. Very pleased with myself, I shot two rounds of 22.

 On day two of the competition, we were required to shoot only one round of 25t trap. Feeling anxious again and knowing how hard I worked the day before to shoot, I began to prepare myself. Once again, I received encouragement from Greg Chan and other team members, moments prior to entering the trap layout. I felt relaxed and just tried to stay focused. As I fired my last shot scoring another 22, I felt a sense of relief. I turned around I noticed several team members had been watching me shoot. I was embraced with hugs and kisses for my effort.

Finally the scores for the other junior women were placed on the scoreboard. Extremely pleased with my efforts, I placed second, winning my first international Silver medal at a World Championship.

            I would like to thank my parents and family for their encouragement and funding for the trip. Especially Dad, for his support, funding and coaching over the many years of my shooting. Basically, without my father, I would not be shooting.

I’d also like to thank Russell Mark for his coaching and support over the many months. He has provided me with new knowledge of shooting and friendship. To my friends around the clubs, I’d like to thank you for your support and also thank you for believing in me.

I’d also like to give a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me on my trip to the World Championships in Cyprus; Thanks to; Cliff Milroy, Simon Downie, Metropolitan Clay Target Club, The South East Zone, Pam Cook, Laurie Allum, P.Stowe and of course everyone who purchased raffle tickets off me.

Thanks Simone Tigani