No fullbore down under
GUERNSEY’S top shooters finally have a Commonwealth Games to target – but the fullbore specialists will miss out again.
Shooting is set to make its comeback at Victoria 2026 following its unusual exclusion from Birmingham 2022, yet the small print is that fullbore will not be one of the supported disciplines.
From Guernsey Rifle Club president Peter Jory’s understanding, shooting will not return to Bendigo – where he competed at Melbourne 2006 – and will instead use a yet-unnamed venue, which may not include a fullbore range.
The five-time Commonwealths shooter called the situation ‘unfortunate’.
‘We were quite hopeful it was going to be in, because Sport Australia did put together a very good package and did indicate that they would like to include as many disciplines, especially fullbore, as they could.
‘It’s a situation where it’s the only discipline that’s open equally to male and female competitors.
‘They were quite hopeful that would be a selling point for it. That’s what they were trying to do – make both genders’ opportunities equal at the Games.’
But in diplomatic fashion, Jory welcomed the sport’s return in some format, with trap, air rifle, air pistol and para-classification shooting all included.
‘It’s unfortunate, but it’s positive that shooting is back on the programme,’ he added.
‘We will definitely have some representation in shooting.’
Ultimately he hopes that future Commonwealths locations will be more favourable for shooting, which has traditionally been one of Guernsey’s strongest sports and which prior to Birmingham was very well supported.
