MOUNT Gambier clay shooter Bridgette McKinnon is aiming for the sky, with the chance to shoot at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Sydney.
McKinnon enters the event on the back of a third place at the Sydney Cup just weeks ago and set to represent the Limestone Coast and the Mount Gambier Gun Club.
Coached by former Australian World Cup shooter Guy Yoannidis, the 19-year old McKinnon has risen through the ranks in just over two years, to where she is now at the top level in the junior competition.
“This is just the start of the third year for Bridgette,” Yoannidis said.
“We have taken her from not having shot, into the premier league in under three years.
“She has done extremely well, is dedicated and very determined.
“I did not expect to be here this quickly.”
Yoannidis said KcKinnon’s initial beginning simply fell into place through a family connection and has blossomed from there.
“My son found my old Australia jacket and asked what it was,” he said.
“Then I took him shooting and he won a state title.
“His friend Tristan McKinnon joined us and we needed another junior.
“At that stage Bridgette was under 18.
“She picked up a gun and said ‘I like this’, so it all just fell into place.
“But I did not expect to be here so soon.”
McKinnon has recently moved to Adelaide to study, leaving Yoannidis to travel to coach her, something he said he is more than happy to do.
“I just love the game and she is so determined,” he said.
“Shooting is between the ears and she has it.”
Yoannidis said after such a successful showing at the Sydney Cup – which came under the Shooting Australia banner – he was pleased to see McKinnon invited to compete in the World competition.
“The junior cup is run by the ISSF, which is the world controlling body,” he said.
“They have asked Bridgette to come along.
“I think it has been a really good effort from her.”
The Junior World Cup will run in Sydney from March 19-29.
