Dundee Skeet shooter, Sian Bruce, is making fine progress towards her ultimate ambition of competing in a major Games.

In March at the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships in Delhi, the 16 year old won the silver medal in the individual women’s Skeet.  “That was the biggest event I have won a medal in so far,” said Sian, who had finished tenth in last year’s Shotgun World U21 Championships in Slovenia.”

Two years ago Sian switched from English Skeet to the more challenging Olympic version.  Strict rules govern the discipline’s ‘ready’ position.  Targets are released by a random timer and points can be lost for infringements such as foot and time faults. 

Working with Iain MacGregor, Scotland’s Discipline Performance Manager for shotgun, at her base of Auchterhouse Country Sports, Sian made a rapid conversion. 

“The Olympic discipline is so much harder and takes a certain mental attitude to stick with it and be good at it,” said Iain. “Sian is gifted with everything and has a good mental attitude.  She is committed, interested and wants to do it.” 

Supporting Sian since November is the Tayside & Fife Institute of Sport, part of sportscotland’s institute network whose focus is on preparing Scotland’s best athletes to perform on the world stage by providing high performance expertise.

“The institute support is tremendously helpful and it’s important for our elite performers to get this support,” said Iain.

“Her Strength & Conditioning coach, Sean Tough, came to the shooting ground and videoed her shooting to understand the demands of the sport.

“You need very quick, precise movements. Reaction time is important which to some extent you can train.  But you also need a technical ability to be able to stand still and see the target properly. 

“To the unsophisticated eye you wouldn’t notice that.  Once they move they move so quickly.  You don’t realise what they are doing; you don’t realise the skills they have. 

“Sian is already strong, because she has been shooting a shotgun since she was about 10.  The institute has designed a specific programme and is helping her become fitter and stronger, at the same time ensuring she is developing as a young woman.” 

Auchterhouse has benefitted from funding to install Olympic equipment.  “It makes a practical and psychological difference having the same machines at home as we use in major events such as in Delhi,” said Iain. 

There will be no women’s Skeet at this October’s Commonwealth Games, though it could be included in Glasgow 2014.  Sian is aiming for that level, at the very least, and Iain believes she has the talent to make the top of the sport.

“Sian is immensely talented and the most natural shooter in the world,” added Iain.  “I often say to her you don’t know what God has given you.  But I do so I have to make sure she makes the most of her abilities.”

RE-J