Sharp-shooting father and son on target in Italy - The Leamington Observer

Sharp-shooting father and son on target in Italy

Leamington Editorial 29th Jun, 2018   0

TOP guns Wayne and Ben Killian both struck gold as they fired themselves to glory at European clay pigeon shooting events in Italy.

The Leamington father and son grabbed a gold medal apiece, with 13-year-old hotshot Ben also scooping a silver medal.

Sharp-shooter Ben was first on the podium, winning gold in the juniors event at the Italian Grand Prix in Bolgona, scoring a 18 out of 20.

Dad Wayne said: “Ben had a stunning day and shot absolutely brilliantly. He only missed two out of the 20, so was a clear winner in the Juniors.




“In fact, he shot so well he finished eighth in the entire event, the highest-placed Brit in the whole competition and even out-shooting the current world champion Shea Self from the USA.

“He did fantastically well and I was so proud of him. He kept very cool and calm throughout and was very methodical in his routines and earned his reward with a top score and a gold medal.”


The following day, the dead-eyed duo, who are sponsored by Leamington’s TFJ Private GP Services, both donned their Great Britain kits to represent their country at the European Championships, also in Bologna.

This time it was 48-year-old Wayne’s turn to triumph, with the GB team taking gold in dramatic fashion.

Wayne said: “It went down to the wire with our third shooter Kevin Tyler needing to hit all three targets for us to win.

“He didn’t let us down and we all let out a huge cheer when he made it three out of three to clinch our victory and kick-start the celebrations.

“I must admit it was very emotional standing on the podium and watching the Union Jack being raised as the national anthem was played. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Ben then completed a fine weekend with a silver medal in the GB Juniors Team.

Wayne added: “First and second place went to the Italians, which secured the gold medal for Italy, and both boys shot really well.

“Ben was a bit disappointed as he had beaten them both in the Grand Prix the day before but unfortunately he didn’t shoot as well on the Saturday.

“That’s a good lesson for him, though. Just because you win one day, it doesn’t guarantee success the next.

“Now he knows everyone can have off days and it’s how you respond to them that counts. You have to show character and resolve and most of all you must keep your belief.”

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