Shooter aims at Barcelona

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 397, 30 July 1991, Page 5

Shooter aims at Barcelona

Phil Garland's biggest job in reaching Barcelona in 1992 is to hone his mental attitude to the sport. Coach Robin Casey says Phil has the ability and now he needs practice and coaching to "make the butterflies fly in formation" when he's on the mound next to world champions. Phil's next step in getting to Barcelona is to compete in the World Cup event being held in Perth later this year, and score 193 or better. The world record is 199 out of a possible 200. Phil Garland has been clay target shooting since 1976, making the South Pacific Games in New Caledonia in 1979. There was a "big hole" in the 1980s when Phil had to knuckle down with his business commitments and only in recent years has he got back into his sport.

He was the top qualifier in the New Zealand and North Island champs held last year and was chosen for the six-man development squad. He has competed internationally, at Adelaide and Seoul. "He needs that type of experience before he can hope to compete in the top level," said Robin. "I don't think you'd go first time to a competition like those and do well," he said, referring to the nervous situation facing new shooters. "The New Zealand situation is fairly delicate," said Robin Casey. "The Aussies send their shooters to training camps four or five times a year - all expenses paid." Phil's training expenses, including ammunition and targets have been assessed at $2000 per month.