By Perditta O'Connor
Kate Sexton is a young woman making her mark in a sport that is not exactly mainstream.
Her excellent performances at a number of Southern Downs Rifle Club shoots over several weeks drew my attention.
It is fair to say that it is a little unusual to find a young woman in her early twenties taking on this sport, and I was a little curious. I asked Kate Sexton to share a little of her story.
Kate, who is in her early twenties is a medical receptionist and is currently studying Psychology.
She has been involved with the sport on and off for the past year but has been a regular at the club’s Sunday shoots at the Risdon range for the last six months.
When asked how she became involved in what is not a mainstream sport for young people.
here is what Kate had to say.
“My dad has been shooting regularly for years and is the President of the rifle club and he has always been keen for me to join him. “After showing a more consistent interest he set up a rifle for me. “I’m now in the process of getting my rifle license”.
Kate says she was originally drawn to the sport to simply enjoy spending more time with her father. Now that she is shooting regularly and shooting well it has sparked her competitive spirit.
I asked if her recent impressive results have impacted on how she approaches the sport, “With my success over the past few weeks, my interest has definitely been piqued by going to other ranges and participating in competitions. “Once I get my rifle license, I will be able to find out more and hopefully start competing further afield”, she said.
She admits she is fortunate and very grateful to her Dad who spends time researching and doing all of the background work needed (reloading etc.). As she becomes more involved in the sport, she is keen to learn more of the technical aspects involved but her admits that her father’s help makes it possible for her to show up and shoot well every Sunday.
Kate has been competing in the Open class and I asked her to explain the different classes for the uninitiated like myself.
She explained, “ Basically, F-standard is any bolt action .223 and .308 rifles. F class open includes any calibre rifle up to and including 8mm. There are also certain other restrictions including weight of the rifle etc.”
Although Kate says a high level of fitness is not necessarily required to participate at this level, she finds there is, for her a meditative space that you need to get into. To do this she believes requires a good understanding of your breathing and focus is very important.
Kate says she enjoys the friendliness and inclusivity of the Southern Downs Rifle Club saying, “ I am one of few younger members of the club and still learning. “The older shooters are always willing to provide tips. “From my limited experience within the sport, I have found it to be very inclusive with both women and men competing against each other”.
Kate believes young people would enjoy the sport and would definitely recommend rifle shooting to anyone who wants to give it a go. “I have a few of my friends keen to come and try it out. “The brilliant part about the sport is that no matter your age or experience, you can have an awesome shoot and have a great time doing it”.
This young woman is certainly making her mark and quietly leading the way in a sport that requires discipline precision and focus .
