From Junior Champion to Industry Professional: My Career in Clay Shooting

I started clay shooting at the age of 13. What began as a hobby quickly developed into a competitive career during my teenage years. I had the opportunity to represent both England and Team GB in international competitions, travelling extensively and gaining experience at a high level from a young age.

As a junior (under 18), I achieved a number of major wins including the UK/US Masters outright, the British Open, and the English Open across several disciplines — Sporting, English Skeet, and FITASC. Alongside those titles, I won numerous other competitions that helped build the foundation for my professional path.

During this time, I was fortunate to be sponsored by Browning Shotguns and Gamebore Cartridges, whose support played an important role in my early career. These partnerships were a key part of my development and helped to connect me further with the wider shooting industry.

My success as a junior competitor led naturally into a career within the shooting industry itself. Today, in my mid-40s, I lead a team within the UK’s largest rifle scope supplier (OPW) and work closely with the business owners to help run and grow the company. It’s a role that combines leadership, product knowledge, and long-term industry experience — all shaped by my background in competitive shooting.

Outside of work, my current rifle setups reflect both my professional and personal interest in the latest shooting technology. I use a Sako S20 in 6.5 Creedmoor, fitted with a Schmidt & Bender Polar scope, Rusan rings, and a Stalon moderator. I also run a Weihrauch HW66 .22LR, which typically features the latest in night vision optics, depending on what's currently on test or in development.