As the long and arduous 2022 competition season drew to an end, shooters from around the world gathered one last time for the WSPS World Championships held at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, Al Ain (UAE). Great Britain fielded a team including Scottish Para Trap Shooters, Mike Drever (PT3) and Keith White (PT1).
Conditions during practice and the competition were excellent. Hot, sunny weather with little or no wind, provided the perfect conditions to hold a World Championship, although the heat was an issue.
Mike put in an excellent and consistent performance but ultimately was just off the pace to make the PT3 final.
Keith had his best performance of the year that began with a perfect first round which would see Keith lead the field through qualification and make the final in Bib 1 position.
The PT1 final took place in the heat of the day and this clearly was not to Keith’s advantage. Keith struggled through the each of the elimination stages, having to rely on his bib number to save him, however he fought on to win Bronze for Scotland and Great Britain.
When we asked Keith to make comment on his performance, he replied:
Over the moon, the year has been hard and got off to a slow start for the WSPS competitions, but as the year progressed, with help from my Coach Marco and support from STS, my standards improved. To shoot a personal best, make Bib 1 in the final, and bring home Bronze for Scotland is an excellent achievement.
The World Championships brings the WSPS season to a close for 2022. Our Para Trap Shooters have travelled the World, representing Scotland and Great Britain putting in great performances and enjoying success as a result.
We look forward to seeing them in action in 2023, which will be a pivotal year for Para Trap as it seeks inclusion to the Los Angles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Report by Keith White & Mike Drever