Young guns lead Aussie charge in world championships

Young Victorians Laetisha Scanlan and Catherine Skinner are part of Australia’s contingent into the pinnacle shotgun event, the ISSF World Championship for Shotgun in Lima, Peru (September 14-24 2013).

Currently ranked three and six in the world respectively, Skinner and Scanlan have had a break-out year on the international circuit, creating Australian shooting history at the ISSF World Cup event in Al-Ain, UAE.

In 40 degree heat, the 23-year-olds conquered an Olympic-class field to win gold and silver in the women’s trap – the first time Australia’s women to their first ever one-two finish at a major international event.

Skinner and Scanlan will be looking continue their bids for Commonwealth Games selection at the Lima event, supporting veteran Olympic medallists Michael Diamond (Qld), Adam Vella (Vic), Russell Mark (Vic) and Suzy Balogh (NSW).

Dual Olympic gold medallist Diamond will be vying for his eighth individual world championship title in men’s trap, while Altanta Olympic gold medallist Mark will be pursuing his fifth individual title in men’s double trap.

Australian International Shooting Limited CEO Damien Marangon said that expectations are high leading into the benchmark event for shotgun.

“This year has been excellent for our rising talent. Based on their solid performances, both Catherine and Laetisha have been invited to the ISSF World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, which is a great outcome for them,” Marangon said.

“It would be icing on the cake to medal at the ISSF World Championship and finish the year on a high.”

Skeet events are already underway in Lima. Laura Coles (WA) has shot 21 targets in her first round of competition. Over in Men’s skeet, after two rounds of competition, Paul Adams (Qld) is on 48 while Keith Ferguson (Vic) is on 45. Trap events commence on September 20.

Full Australian team to compete in the World Championship for Shotgun

Men’s Trap

Michael Diamond (Gold Coast, Qld)

Adam Vella (Keilor, Vic)

Brett Dunstan (Upper Beaconsfield, Vic)

Women’s Trap

Laetisha Scanlan (Berwick, Vic)

Catherine Skinner (Mansfield, Vic)

Suzy Balogh (Sydney, NSW)

Men’s Skeet

Paul Adams (Brisbane, Qld)

Keith Ferguson (Sale, Vic)