2022 has seen a demanding competition calendar for two of STS’ Para Athletes, Mike Drever and Keith White, who recently represented Great Britain at the WSPS European Championships in their respective PT3 & PT1 categories. The competition took place at the end of September 2022, at the revered Trap Concaverde, Lonato Del Garda, Italy.
Mike has been shooting internationally since 2017 and Keith since 2018, both shooters have enjoyed success both domestically and internationally with continuous improvements in their performances, subsequently elevating them for selection to World Class events.
Italy again pilots the way in the development of Para Trap by hosting the inaugural European Championships as they did for the 2017 World Cup and the 2018 World Championships.
Conditions during the competition were far from ideal with a mixture of poor light, rain and wind on the first day, followed with heavy fog at the start of the second day. Both athletes contested valiantly against the conditions. Despite a determined second day performance, Mike fell just short of reaching the PT3 final with 97/125. Keith however, progressed to the PT1 final in sixth position with 92/125.
The fog had burned off and the sun shone upon the PT1 final, and Keith made a great start, jostling for the lead all the way to the medal positions. There was little between the top three, and after the other athletes capitalised on lost targets, Keith finished third, winning the European Championship Bronze Medal.
Keith commented on his performance:
I am pleased to have made the podium and taken the Bronze medal for GB and Scotland. My performance has improved over the year, and not only winning Gold at the BS Shotgun Series but being Crowned UK Para Trap Champion has helped boost my confidence. However, there are areas I need to focus on, that will improve my overall performance, in time the WSPS World Championships in Al Ain (UAE), in November [2022].
Keith finished with a Bronze from the WSPS European Championships
Keith with the trophy after being crowned UK Para Trap Champion at the British Shooting Shotgun Series Finals
Further to the individual success, the PT1 team event saw Great Britain win the Silver Medal.
Keith with his team mates, winning the PT1 Silver Medal
Mike also reflected on his performance and progress:
Although naturally disappointed not to have made it to the final, I can’t be too disappointed with the performance as it was a fair reflection of how I am shooting at the moment and has highlighted areas for refinement ahead of the World Championships in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates later in the year.
Mike reflecting on a good year, despite not making the final at the WSPS European Championships
Report by Mike Drever & Keith White, STS Shotgun Para Trap Performance Programme Athletes