A message from Emilly Vassallo

Clay target shooting is a sport I never imagined myself getting into. It all began on a farm, casually hitting a few targets with a machine while spending time with my family. Fast forward just four years, and I proudly placed at the National Titles in Perth, WA.

Many people assume this sport is all about physical skill, and while that’s certainly a big part of it, there’s also a huge mental side that often gets overlooked. That’s something I’m still learning, and one of the reasons I enjoy the sport so much as there’s always room to grow. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, there’s something new to master. That constant evolution is what keeps it exciting.

Being a young female in clay target shooting is something you don’t see often, and I hope I can be a positive example to others considering giving it a go. Yes, I’ve faced challenges, but who hasn’t when chasing something they’re passionate about? At the end of the day, it’s not about the opinions of others. It’s about how you carry yourself and focus on your own goals.

This year, I made the decision to compete at the Nationals in Perth. Some people questioned whether I was ready or if it was even worth going. But for me, it wasn’t about proving anything to others. It was about testing myself, stepping up to a level I’d never competed at before, and simply seeing how I’d go.

My first event at Nationals was the 50-target Double Barrel event. I shot a perfect 50/50 a massive achievement in itself. Since I wasn’t the only one to shoot a clean score (seven other ladies out of 70 did too), we went into a shoot-off, also known as sudden death. I shot another 51 targets in the shoot-off, which secured me 3rd place in the Ladies Double Barrel event. That round also earned me multiple personal bests and break badges including the 50, 75, and 100-target badges, which are awarded when you shoot that many targets in a row without a miss. You’ll see me holding those blue emblems in the photo.

I also had the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Australian Mackintosh Team, where I placed 6th. I came incredibly close to winning the Ladies Overall High Gun, which had 70 competitors, and the A Grade High Gun, with 115 shooters. While no second place was officially awarded in those categories, I’m proud to say I was ranked 2nd overall in both the Ladies and A Grade divisions across Australia, finishing with a total score of 447/475.

Another highlight was placing 2nd in the Ladies Double Rise event  a discipline where two targets are released simultaneously and you must hit both. Despite only having shot this event a handful of times, I went in with the mindset of giving it my best, and walked away with a new personal best of 44/50.

My first Nationals experience will always hold a special place in my heart. I achieved things I never thought possible. Of course, it wasn’t without challenges. I had a few gun malfunctions and moments of doubt during the week, but the most important thing was that I pulled myself back together. That’s something every athlete faces, regardless of the sport learning how to reset, refocus, and push forward.

If you’re curious about clay target shooting or thinking about giving it a go, I encourage you to come down to Global Weapons Systems. Whether you’re looking for your first firearm, some new equipment, or just want to have a chat, we’re here to help.

And to the girls and women out there who aren’t sure if this sport is for you come and talk to me. I’ll be more than happy to help you get started, share what I’ve learned, and support you on your own journey.

Emilly Vassallo