I am Britain’s top Lady Pistol Shooter, who has the dream of competing in the London 2012 Olympics.
Having successfully graduated with a 2:1 from University (UWIC - University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, reading BA (HONS) Product Design) in the summer of 2007, I've been partaking in part time work and for the first time been able to focus and train to the best of my ability in the sport that I love. This has paid off beyond recognition, as in a couple of months I have truly become “World Class,” breaking the British 10m Ladies Air Pistol Qualification and Finals Record, which had stood since 1992, in February 2008. Also the Qualification and Finals Record for 25m Sport Pistol twice, May 2008 and 2009. My improvements post University, thanks to my focused training, has impressed the British Shooting Coaches.
Physical fitness is a key aspect to my training. Keeping totally still is extremely physically demanding, as well as having the aerobic capacity to keep your heart down in pressured situations. Being a former Pony Club Tetrathlete (shooting, running, swimming and riding) and Modern Pentathlete (shooting, running, swimming, fencing and riding) I additionally find exercise very enjoyable.
DEVON
Devon, the county where I was born and still live and train in, is very close to my heart. My technical shooting training is carried out by the kind permission of Okehampton Smallbore Club, with the assistance of Bernard and Yvonne Rendle. As well as, Arthur Harvey at Budleigh Farm, Moretonhampstead. Devon County Smallbore Rifle Associtaion have also been very supportive of my training efforts, providing some sponsorship to aid my 2012 training campaign. As well as the Okehampton Rotary Club.
Fitness First, Exeter enable me to complete the strength and conditioning aspect to my training very effectively.
NSRA Championships, Bisley Sept 2008
SACRIFICES
But in pursuing my dream, I’m sacrificing my career. Putting it 'on-hold'. I have three part time jobs that i juggle around my training to help keep the pennies coming in a little. I waitress / bar tend at Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton and the Ring 'O Bells, Chagford. And exercise my neighbours' horse. This lifestyle is the only way I can have time to train. With having to be away for weeks at a time training and competing abroad, having regular job just isn't pssible. But my three employers, The Colton Family, Colin and Fran Davey and Linda Sampson are fantastic in giving me work when I am at home and then finding cover for me when I'm away. It is their way of sponsoring me for which I am truely greatful.
Training and competing all over the world is not only time consuming, but also costly. Additionally being a British Pistol Shooter I have the heightened difficulty of having very limited training opportunities in England for one of the two disciplines I compete in, (25m Sport Pistol). This is thanks to the .22 Pistol Ban, Dunblane 1996. Consequently only a few named GBR Squad members from January 2010, have been issued with a Section5 FAC and been allowed their .22 Pistol back in the country. We are able to train at one of the ranges at Bisley and the Bedford County Range. Prior to this, all our training was carried out in Switzerland, where the guns were also stored. Training will be continued in Zurich.
About Me
