Dundee’s Sian Bruce finished tenth in her first Shotgun World Championships in Slovenia last week.

Had the 15 year old, who had been competing in the Junior Women’s (under 21) category, hit just   two more targets she could have finished as high as fourth. 

“This was my first Worlds and I’ve never been to anything like this before so I didn’t know what to expect,” said Sian, who scored 65 out of a possible 75.
 
“I was tenth but if I’d shot two more targets I would have been joint fourth and we’d have had a shoot off for fourth place.

“I’m happy with the result but a bit disappointed not to get the fourth.” 

Only a year ago Sian switched from English to Olympic Skeet, considered by many as the most difficult of the three Olympic disciplines.

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. 

Under coach Iain McGregor at Auchterhouse Country Sports Sian has made a rapid conversion.  Supporting her since November is the Tayside & Fife Institute of Sport, part of the Area Institutes of Sport network that provides high performance expertise to Scotland’s potential world class talent. 

In a sport where arm strength and lightening fast reactions are vital, Strength & Conditioning training has proved a major benefit.

“I do two sessions of Strength & Conditioning work with the Tayside & Fife Institute and Alan Sinclair has been really helpful, particularly changing days to make it easier for me to get in to the gym.

“My coach thinks the Strength & Conditioning has made a big difference in the way I shoot. I can train for a lot longer because of strength.”

Sian’s season in competing for GB is now complete, but her first World Championships should leave a lasting impression.

“Shooting well at a competition like that gives you so much more confidence,” she added. “Having been there it’s a great experience and I want to go back and compete again.”