Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships 2010, India.

My fellow English Shooting team mates and I, all safely returned from Delhi on Sunday evening. A very successful time was spent in India, with a strong medal tally recorded and personal goals being achieved all round.

The Indians looked after us brilliantly, with security levels to a very high standard not only at the range but around the Hotels as well. It was impressed upon us whilst there and before leaving, that the main goal of this two week competition was to learn how to live in the environment. How to adapt your everyday lifestyle to enable you to be fit and ready to stand on your firing point for your events so be able to compete at your best. At first it was hard to resist temptation, but as the days went by and stories were heard of the odd victims of ‘Delhi Belly’, it became evident it was worth it! I for one now feel prepared for the Commonwealth Games in October if I am selected.

These Championships were a true ‘practise event’ for the Games themselves, with Indian officials etc. learning their roles. This first came to light at the Opening Ceremony where Okehampton had to ‘fly the flag’. The Indians were not organised with each Nations flags to fly at the ceremony, so my Okehampton bought St.Georges flag saved the day!

The newly built ranges where we competed on were truly ‘World Class’ across all the disciplines. But serious finishing touches are needed around the grounds before October. This, I’ve no doubt, will be a problem.

Shooting in India is a very high profile sport, up amongst cricket and hockey. The press and television coverage was fantastic, something that a British Shooter is just not used to.

Although a couple of my major rivals didn’t attend the competition, it was still personally a very successful event. My partner for both the Air and Sport Pistol competitions was Julia Lydall. We won a Bronze and Silver medals in the Sport and Air Pistol respectfully. Individually I won two Bronze medals in the Badge matches and 4^th in my main Air Pistol Individual.

Team spirit was high. We all got on brilliantly, supporting each other and especially at our daily team meetings when reporting back about the days activities.

Security was very tight making it difficult to see any of Delhi. I knew this trip would be eye opening and broaden my horizons, and it didn’t let me down! Delhi and Devon; they may begin with the same letter, but that is about all they have in common!