#1 in the world!

By Shamus Young | Posted: Friday August 9, 2024

In March this year after three days of shooting and trials, I was selected for the New Zealand Under 21 International shooting team for 2024.

After the conclusion of these trials, myself along with four other members, were named in the squad and competed in the World Mackintosh Trophy Shoot.

The competition required us to shoot 100 targets each. This competition was shot in the point score format. A point score event means that the shooter receives 3 points for hitting a target on the first shot, 2 points for hitting it with their second shot and 0 points for missing the target. The aim is to shoot the most out of a possible 300 points. This is difficult, the shooter has to hit 100 out of 100 targets in a row on their first barrel or their first shot.

National shooting teams from all corners of the world compete in this shoot with the top 4 scores from each team being entered for the competition.

Our team shot a total of 496 targets out of 500 with one shooter shooting 100/100 and the four other shooters including me shooting 99/100 to give us an overall team score of 1174 out of 1200. I had six second barrels and one loss, giving me a point score of 291/300. Two other members of our squad shot the exact same score as me.

We have just learnt that after the completion of all the other nations' shoots, our score secured us the win and the World Under 21 Mackintosh Title!

I would like to thank my coach, Bill McKinley, and our teacher in charge, Mrs. Irving, for all the time and effort they put into the boys who want to shoot at Otago Boys'. Our future looks bright being in your capable hands. I would especially like to thank my mother, Zita, and father, Andrew, for all the support they offer me - I greatly appreciate it. 

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