Marks’ shots always hit the mark

By day, Michel Marks is a natural science and life orientation teacher at Hoërskool Brandwag and can explain the elemental compositions of gunpowder.

However, once the bell rings, this unassuming educator can be found on the shooting range honing her skills as a competing practical sport shot.

Six years ago, Michel watched her husband, Lionel, participate in the sport and her interest was immediately piqued.

“I thought it would be a fun hobby for the two of us to share, but the adrenaline soon started flowing and my competitive streak reared its head,” she said.

“I now compete in club leagues as well as on provincial level.”

As a member of Guns@Work in Germiston, Michel said the sport, which she describes as a sport that encompasses focus and agility, is steadily gaining momentum among female competitors.

To compete in this category, you have to meet the minimal requirements, which include using a standard production firearm featuring prescribed upgrades.

Showing off her ‘race gun,’ a 9mm C3 Shadow 2, she explained that a typical day of the competition involves the completion of eight to 10 stages.

Competitors move through the course with the objective of accurately shooting and hitting the targets in the quickest time.

Points are awarded in accordance to the targets hit and the shooter with the highest point tally and fastest times ranks the highest.

“The sport is highly sophisticated based on skill and discipline,” she said.

“I’m not trying to be some kind of gun-wielding GI Jane but when I am on the range, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a perfectly aimed shot hitting the target.”

If she is not gym focusing on upper-body strength and cardio, the mom of two can be found on the Brandwag sports fields, coaching members of the school’s in-house sharpshooting team.

“As a sport, shooting teaches competitors to remain cool under pressure and to be aware of their surroundings,” said Michel.

“As an individual sport you have to be disciplined and determined, you rely heavily on your own mental agility.”

Currently ranking among the top five shooters in her league, Michel hopes to qualify for the provincial team, which will see her competing in the South African Practical Shooting Association (SAPSA) National Championships in September.

Michel and her husband will also form part of an invitational national team, consisting of 17 members, who will be representing the country at the 2023 European Handgun Championship, in Greece.

“This will be my first international competition and I believe the level of competition is immense,” she said nervously.

“We are using this as preparation for the 2025 World Shoot Championships, which will be held in Klerksdorp.

“I’m looking forward to putting my skills to the test against international competitors while taking the time to learn from them.”

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