YOUNG clay pigeon marksman Charlotte Morris shot for the stars and achieved one of her ambitions in life — to make the England ladies’ team.
Island-born Charlotte, 16, who specialises in the trap discipline of down the line (DTL) clay pigeon shooting, was invited to take part in a series of England selection events since May, based on scores from other competitions submitted to the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association.
DTL involves hitting a fast moving clay target, shot from various shooting points — a discipline understood to be one of the hardest to master, due to the concentration required to achieve consistently high scores.
The Isle of Wight College student, a former pupil of Ryde Academy, began shooting aged 11. It was a sport she grew up with, with both parents, Dave and Sharon, clay shooters themselves. They have funded her going to events the length and breadth of the country.
From the three qualification events she took part in, Charlotte submitted her two best scores.
When the England junior team was announced last weekend, Charlotte was told she had missed out.
However, disappointment soon turned to joy when told she was instead selected for the England ladies’ team — one of her ambitions, alongside putting the Island on the map in her sport.
Her proud mum said: “Her face was a total picture. I still don’t think it has sunk in, even now.”
Charlotte, who lives in Haylands, will earn her first cap in the home international/British Open DTL, which takes place at Fauxdegla Shooting Ground, Wales, between September 17-18.
Since 2016, Charlotte has been honing her skills in various competitions, including the biggest DTL shoot in Mid-Wales — the prestigious Krieghoff, among a field of around 500 shooters — an event that did not phase her.
Charlotte is emerging as a young star, excelling in the trap discipline area, thanks to her coach since 2017, experienced England shooter, Dave Toomer.
Her progress, in what is still a very male-orientated sport, has seen her shoot up through the ranks.
“Being given the opportunity to try out for England was an amazing experience in itself. It gave me the chance to get recognised on the clay circuit and build on my shooting ability,” said Charlotte.
“It is an honour to break into the ladies’ team. I felt very emotional.
“At such a young age with my shooting — and in my first time trying out for the England team — it feels so surreal to have an England badge, one of my big ambitions.”
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