Two Hoerskool Linden learners took a shot for gold in the Great British Junior International Target Shooting Tournament on 6 August.
Part of a bigger shooting team at the school, Grade 11 learners Ronan Van Vuuren and Liza Keyter were selected to compete in the competition held in Bisley, England, after competing in a national competition at the beginning of the year.
A variety of countries participated in the tournament, and guns used in the competition were air rifles and air pistols.
Liza said, “During the open day of my school, I was introduced to shooting as an extramural, and started shooting at the beginning of Grade 8.
I found it to be very fascinating, and I decided to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, who were great shots.”
Ronan said, “After the competition at the beginning of the year, 13 shooters were selected to be part of the South Africa team.”
Liza added, “The first day of the competition I found to be a bit stressful, but when the second day came, I finished in fifth place, and on day three I missed the finals by one point.”
Ronan agreed, “I also found the first day to be a bit intimidating, but on day two I broke my personal best score.”
The two were in separate teams and Ronan won two silver medals. His team won silver for the ‘three positions’ competition, which consists of prone, kneeling, and standing, and one silver for the 10m standing competition.
Liza and her team won a bronze medal in the ‘three positions’ competition.
“It was such a nice atmosphere to compete in England, and we really enjoyed meeting other shooters from around the world,” concluded Liza.
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