Revitalise-me

Caroline Brownlie was born in Scotland and now lives in Bishop Waltham, Hampshire has had an extremely successful Pistol Shooting career so far. Now aged 33, her personal best performance was qualifying and competing in the 2010 Common Wealth Games in Delhi.

• What first attracted you to your chosen sport?
• I started shooting at university in Bangor (North Wales). I was studying for a sports degree and I’m the type of person who’ll have a go at any sport. At University I met my (now) husband and his family are shooters. As there was a club at University I went along with him and ended up being quite good! The sport is good for me now as I can do a range of training at home and at any time of the day.
• Why do you like competitive sport?
• I think there has to be a gene that makes you competitive at sports. I think you are either interested or you’re not. When I shoot well I like the feelings it brings. I feel proud of the effort I put in and the outcomes, then I feel motivated to train more. I also feel good when my family are proud of me. Shooting is competitive, but your biggest competitor is yourself. You are constantly striving to beat your PB by improving your technique. If things don’t go to plan I am equally motivated to fix it and get back on track.
• How has sport changed your life?
• My shooting is now really my part time job as well as my hobby. I have a young family that comes first, but next is my training and competing. It’s constantly there but in a good way. I think everyone needs a project or an interest, and it’s shooting for me.
• Have you had any success in encouraging your peers to take up sport or physical activity?
• I have a couple of friends that have started to ‘keep fit’ week to week, but I’m not sure if I actively encouraged them! I do know for certain though that I am an example that it’s possible to have a young family and compete at an international level. It’s the support of my family that enables me to do this