KZN’s top U16 shottist hails from Toti

Amanzimtoti shottist Ruben Kitching won four gold medals and three trophies at the KZN trials air rifle competition in Newcastle on 19 and 20 August.

Ruben won a gold medal and trophy for the top U16 sporter shottist in KZN. He shoots in the sporter category with a gas cylinder rifle.

The 16-year-old won a gold medal and trophy for the overall best shottist in KZN, across all age categories, even beating the U21 shottists.

He won a gold medal and trophy for the best shottist in the three position discipline (standing, kneeling and prone) in his age group.

The Glenwood High School grade 10 pupil also won a gold medal for the best U16 shottist in the standing discipline and a silver medal in the standing discipline in all age categories.

“It is a really good feeling to achieve when you have given your best,” said Ruben. “It was a big competition and you are never sure how you are going to perform on the day until you have shot the first couple of shots.

After the competition started, I expected to do well, as I knew I had shot brilliant scores that could win me gold. I was however, surprised when I came first throughout the entire competition in all age groups.

I shot with one of my friends who is in the U21 age group and who toured England with me last year. He has always been better than me and it was great to outscore him.”

Ruben represented SA schools in London last year where he competed against seven other countries, including the USA, Great Britain and Germany and helped the team win the sporter division.

To be successful, you have to train hard

“To be successful, you have to train hard. With air rifle shooting, diet is also important, as you should not consume sugar about six hours before you shoot as it will make you shake.

Exercise is also important so that your heart rate remains low to make those vital points count.

You have to have the right mindset and always stay confident. If you have a bad shot, forget it and move on – don’t get upset and lose focus. Train your mind to overcome it and remain positive.

You have to have the right mindset and always stay confident

Something that also contributes to my success is my parents who are always there for me when I need them. They always motivate me and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I thank them for their contribution to my success and their support.”

Ruben tries to train two to three times a week but his school does not have suitable training facilities. “I would like to train more because target shooting is my passion and I really enjoy it, so training isn’t a chore for me.

Next in my sights is to come in the top three at this year’s SA competition in October, so that I am awarded SA colours again. I aim to improve my personal best scores and I hope I am selected to the SA team to travel to Great Britain in 2017.”