A triumphant return
Jasper Fellows discovers how Skeet star Peter Chester almost lost it all, only to come back stronger than ever
Since first putting pellet to clay, Peter Chester liked to dream big. As a youngster, he fought his way through national and international competitions, achieved record scores and positioned himself as one of the world’s best.
Then family tragedy struck, forcing him away from the stands and his dreams. He put down his shotgun and turned away from a promising career. Sixteen years later, a simple have-a-go session put Peter back behind the barrels and on the path to glory.
“It all started with my grandfather, Colin,” explains Peter. “He’s still going strong today, but when I was young he was a really keen competitive Skeet shot. He’s the one who first introduced me to English Skeet.
“That was in ’97, I was 10 and immediately hooked. Like all young shots I had dreams of Olympic gold medals and of making a career out of shooting. So, I found myself a coach, Dave Allen, and set to work.
“One year later, I was shooting Skeet for Wiltshire, training twice a week and heading to every competition I could. I took up American Skeet, too, which allowed me to compete at even more events. I worked hard to learn everything I could about the sport.”
Peter’s work ethic and incredible talent for clay breaking soon started to pay dividends and his trophy collection began to grow.
“Things really started to get interesting in 2000, when, aged 13, I became the second person ever to shoot a 100-straight with a .410 in the UK and found myself on the second step of the podium in the C Class Skeet Doubles event at the World Skeet Championships in Texas.”
International success fuelled Peter’s desire for top level competition. “The following year I returned to America for the American
National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) Junior World Championships, where I won both the American Skeet and Skeet Doubles Sub-Junior events. I then returned to Texas, and the World Skeet Championships, this time taking an AA gold medal.”
Industry attention
Peter’s spectacular rise through the ranking caught the attention of the industry and before he knew it, he was receiving offers from teams across the globe. “The NSSA took note of my win in Texas,” he says. “They offered me a position on their Sub-Junior All-American First Team. I became the first Brit ever to be offered a spot, so jumped at the chance.”
At 14 years of age, Peter Chester was a signed top shot set on world domination. “I really felt like I was on the right path at that point,” says Peter. “Now I was planning on making the switch over to Olympic Skeet, with the aim of eventually representing Team GB on the world’s stage.”
However, before Peter had the chance to change discipline, he was hit by a series of devastating tragedies that would change the trajectory of his life, and career, forever.
“In August 2002, my niece passed away,” Peter laments. “I was devastated. Shortly after this my parents split up, which further affected me. Then, in May 2003, my brother was involved in a fatal traffic collision.”
Abrupt stop
In less than a year, Peter’s life had changed entirely. “I couldn’t focus on anything after my brother passed,” he admits. “My shooting career came to an abrupt stop. So, I finished school and became a landscaper. I met my partner, Nadina, and we had children together. Shooting remained in my thoughts but my time had passed. I’d spent too long away to remain competitive and believed I would never have the chance again.”
As the years rolled by, Peter told Nadina more about his time on the stands, of travelling the world and claiming trophies. Then, in 2017, she decided it was time for him to get back to the sport he loved.
“Almost 16 years after I had first stepped away from the stands, Nadina booked me
on to a simple have-a-go session at Barbury Shooting School,” says Peter.
Despite having been away from the sport for so long, Peter’s natural talent was immediately obvious. “I managed to shoot 30/30 on that first day back at Barbury, a huge boost to my confidence. I realised it was still possible for me to shoot at a competitive level. It was an indescribable feeling that after all these years I might still have what it takes to reach the top.”
Natural return
For many, a six-month break from the sport, let alone 16 years, would have a serious effect on one’s scores, but not Peter. “It all came back to me quite naturally,” he explains. “I could still remember the physical layout of the shot placements and when and where I needed to aim and fire.
“The difficulty came from regaining the correct mental composure. Maintaining concentration, developing an effective preshoot routine and becoming almost robotic with my movements again.
“But, in a way, this mental challenge has been therapeutic for me. When I’m on the stand I’m forced to be in the zone, to put aside any other worries or stresses. My focus has to be on the clay and the clay alone.
“Although I must admit, I was extremely nervous about returning to the competitive scene. Thankfully, it also gave me the chance to reconnect with many old friends, which has been fantastic.”
To say Peter’s return to competitive Skeet shooting was triumphant would be an understatement. Within months of his return he was crowned Bisley Winter Skeet Series 2020 Champion.
“Not only was this my first win since returning to the scene, but my first win as an adult. I was ecstatic and completely overwhelmed,” says Peter.
Soon after this he claimed the Grand Eastern Skeet Champion title, took the top spot in the European Open Skeet Doubles event and took his rightful place at the top of the podium at the World Skeet Masters, scoring an incredible 197/200 before straighting the final.
Confidence
Spurred on by his successes, Peter launched into the 2021 season with renewed confidence. His list of achievements last year could be used as a calendar of the most important British Skeet events, with major wins at The Scottish Open, British Open and Home International only making up a small percentage of his silverware for the year.
But Peter isn’t satisfied yet, he still has global ambitions. “Now my focus is on getting back out to Texas to claim a World Championship title. After that, who knows, maybe I’ll pursue the Olympic disciplines, if I’m not too old.
“No matter what happens, I’m just so glad to be back in the game. I’ve been lucky to have fantastic support from so many old friends, from Dartford Shooting Club and from so many others in the industry.
“I’m sure there are others out there like myself who have spent a long time away from shooting. I say, don’t ever believe you can’t do it, once you are back, you’ll wish you hadn’t waited so long.
“Now I am back, doing what I love. I just hope I can make my family proud.”