AISLIN Jones has once again proven why she’s one of Australia’s top shooters, dominating at the ACTA ISSF National Championships in Sydney recently.
In a gruelling two-event carnival, Aislin walked away with both National titles on offer – the Commonwealth Championship and the National Championship – and also secured the National Overall Women’s Championship.
But it wasn’t just the competition that put the Olympian’s skills to the test. The event was held in some of the worst conditions Sydney had seen in a while, with wild storms rolling through and throwing everything from wind to torrential rain at the competitors.
“It was horrendous,” Aislin said.
“Some of the windiest conditions I’ve probably ever shot in. So bizarre for January. It was cold, and, for an experienced shooter, I hadn’t packed properly because, it’s summer in January – you expect it to be warm. I ended up borrowing rain pants and boots because my feet were going to get soaked.”
Despite the wild, not very summery, storm, Aislin remained focused and shot well enough to land the titles.
“I had a few months off after the Olympics, and world champion selection hasn’t started yet, so for me, Nationals was just about seeing where I’m at, getting a gauge before world champ selection which starts in March. It was a great event to kick off the season, and obviously, coming away with the Commonwealth and National titles, plus the high gun, was a bonus.”
The tough conditions kept scores lower across the board, but Aislin adapted and brushed it off.
“There were a couple of rounds where I’d shoot a 22 or 23 out of 25 and think, ‘You know what? That was a good round.’ You just have to read the conditions, be responsive, and not let it get to you. If you dwell on a missed target, that’s how you shoot lower scores.”
Back to training with an eye on upcoming competitions, Aislin will use an event in Melbourne in mid-March as a warm-up before heading to Sydney for the first World Championship selection event.
From there, she’ll be competing in Brisbane and Melbourne, with possible international events in Cyprus and Italy leading up to the World Championships in Athens in October.
Away from the range, Aislin has been balancing shooting with her studies (Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University) and work, alongside running.
“After the Paris Marathon (at the Olympics), I did two halves – a 21 kilometre in Leongatha, and then Hallora in December, which is a 24 kilometre.”
Aislin, her mum and a friend then braved Sunday’s heat and took on the 17-kilometre trail at Kilcunda Running Festival.
“It was really hot, it’s beautiful, one of the most scenic runs I’ve ever done, but it’s hard and hilly.”
For anyone interested in trying clay target shooting, Aislin is a big advocate for giving it a go.
“It’s a sport where anyone can compete on a level playing field, no matter your age or gender. You can be 12 or 70 and still win a title. The local club at Korumburra is open for practice on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, and the members are really friendly and always happy to see new people come out and have a go.
“You can have a go without a gun license – you just need to be supervised. Just give it a go, that’s how I got into it. You never know where it’ll take you.”
