Toowoomba shooter wins gold
RIFLE SHOOTING: Locked in place behind his rifle, Toowoomba’s Richard Toye gets tunnel vision.
All he can see is his target and what happens next – the shot – is almost completely under control.
Being able to control his performance is what Toye loves most about his sport.
It’s a love that has helped secure some big results for Toye, but few are bigger than his recent win.
After nearly 10 years in the sport, Toye won the 50m Prone event at the Queensland State Small Bore Rifle Championships.
“It’s a special win for me,” he said.
“I’ve been close a few times and I thought I had it a few years back in Gympie but fell short.
“It’s great to finally get it. It’s a highly contested event.”
Toye took up rifle shooting after injury forced him to retire from archery shooting.
“I fell in love with target shooting at a very young age,” he said.
“It’s just you and the target – the outcome, your performance is totally up to you.”
Richard wasn’t the only Toye who enjoyed success at the championships either.
His daughter Shani won gold in C-grade benchrest.
“I’m very proud of her,” he said.
“I’ve never pushed or pressured her into taking up the sport.
“But she decided to have a go and she has done very well.
“I definitely make a better athlete than I do a spectator.
“It’s very hard just sitting there and watching.”