SHOOTING: Current Junior World Record holder James Willett (Mulwala, NSW) posted a world-class score of 143/150 targets in the qualifying rounds of Men’s Double Trap at the Heydar Aliyev International Grand Prix in Gabala, Azerbaijan.
Under the new International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) rules introduced in 2013, Willett is only the second Australian joining dual Olympic medallist Russell Mark OAM to have ever shot this score.
Mark said that it had been a pleasure coaching Willett, and that his results give him a great deal of pride.
“James is one of the brightest talents we have had in clay target shooting since Michael Diamond appeared in the mid 1980’s,” Mark commented.
“He is a natural competitor who can perform at any number of disciplines. This fact is his greatest asset. He is not just a Double Trap competitor, but a true multi discipline shooter. He simply needs to be exposed to as much competition as possible.
“James is a very long way from his best, but don’t be surprised if his first international open medal is just around the corner.”
The 19-year-old farmer is making the rest of the world sit up and take notice, after he stormed into the final of his first ever World Cup in February, shooting a new Junior World Record of 142/150. This performance, at his second international event, where he shot against Olympic medallists and improved his personal best, is a great sign for the future.
Willett displayed typical calmness throughout the match, uncharacteristic for someone so young and new to the circuit.
“I was pleased with the result at Gabala as I shot a personal best and qualified second into the final. The event has offered me great preparation for future competitions, as a World Cup will be at the same range in August," Willett said.
National Shotgun Coach Valeriy Timokhin said he was happy with the team’s participation and performance at the International Grand Prix.
“Willett is improving at each competition and his performance at this range is positive because we will be back here for an ISSF World Cup in August, where there will be quotas for Rio 2016 on the line,” Timokhin said.
“This has been a very useful trip for our young athletes, who have got a lot out of the training, competition and additional days of practice. They are all grateful for the opportunity to compete here.”
The competition has been a great preparation event, with Junior Trap Men, Jack Wallace (Yering, VIC) and Samuel Bylsma (Bundaberg, QLD) bringing home the silver and bronze medals respectively.
SHOOTING AUSTRALIA