Willett ignites Rio dream with 143 targets

Monday 25 May 2015

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, last week. 

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,ho 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.

Media Contact: Sunita Miranda, Shooting Australia Media & Communications Manager on 
0431 442 204 or sunita@shootingaustralia.org

Posted by Thom Erik Syrdahl

Source - http://www.shootingaustralia.org