Port shooter hits the mark
Port Stephens Examiner, Page: 88. Thursday, 27 August 2009
A young Port Stephens clay target shooter is on the path to an international career after consistently hitting the mark this year.
David Douglas, 17, from Nelsons Plains has earned himself selection to the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia national shotgun team to compete in a Five-Stand competition in New Zealand next year.
He has also secured a spot on the NSW open team to shoot for the state at next year’s national competition.
He has proved himself at six major state and national competitions since May this year.
In an impressive feat for someone who only began clay target shooting in March 2008, David recently shot 10 perfect rounds of 25 and hit 100 consecutive targets without missing one, called a 100 break, at the NSW State Skeet Carnival on August 14, 15 and 16.
A member of the Hunter Academy of Sports’ junior development program, David hopes to one day be an Olympian. With the London 2012 Games coming up, he will begin competing in Olympic skeet competitions on August 30. He must compete at three rounds to qualify for consideration to a national team.
David’s dad Ken said his son trains every week and opted to complete his education through TAFE for more flexibility for his shooting.
David became interested in shooting after staying with an uncle in Brisbane who took him to a shooting range. Mr Douglas said he has since come on board with shooting, but says his son’s obviously natural talent had not come from him.
Last year, David was selected as Michael Diamond’s training partner in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games.
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