Tracey Bowley wins international silver medal in Thailand
It is remarkable considering not only the large population of shooters in the US but also the fact that, unlike these other countries, South African competitors receive no government support for travel, hardware, and ammunition.
Woodcrest Academy is immensely proud of Tracey Bowley, one of our parents and directors.
At the end of last year, Tracey was selected for the South African Ladies Production Optics team to compete in the IPSC World Handgun Shoot held in Pattaya, Thailand, and they did well in their category.
The opening ceremony started with a parade of the countries’ teams, and the festivities included adorned elephants.
It was a moving experience to represent South Africa in this international celebration.
During the competition, 1,345 competitors from 73 countries tackled 30 challenging stages in the humid Thai environment.
The various shooting tasks were highly demanding and included both left and right-hand shooting, swinging plates and other moving targets, tricky positions and angles, penalty targets, and shooting from unstable suspended platforms, as well as while seated on a model water buffalo!
Staying focused was a critical factor in success.
It is an achievement that the Ladies Optics team returned triumphant, having won the silver medal for second place, narrowly beaten by Italy, with the United States in third place.
It is remarkable considering not only the large population of shooters in the US but also the fact that, unlike these other countries, South African competitors receive no government support for travel, hardware, and ammunition.
Congratulations, Tracey Bowley, Sasha-Lee Du Plessis, and Madeline Muller.
The team was supported by Tracey’s sister and fellow shooter Joanne Hannah (a teacher at Woodcrest Academy).
Joanne played a critical role as range advisor, pharmacist, physiotherapist, logistics manager, chauffeur, and sports psychologist.
Well done to you too, Joanne.
Fortunately, the team managed to find time to enjoy the Thai sights and food.
The final prize-giving ceremony took place under open skies in the famously beautiful Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
It must have been a profoundly special experience to represent South Africa overseas and to bring home the silver medal.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for our talented South African shooters.
Well done, ladies.
