St George’s Day is here again, which means it’s time to celebrate! There’s many different ways you can play your part in the celebrations, but what better way to do just that than smashing some clays! Here’s some of the best English Clay Shooters who have made a name for themselves within the sport.
George Digweed
Born in Hastings, Sussex on 21 April 1964, George Digweed is one of the finest Clay Shooters to have represented England over the years. Influenced by his grandfather, George began shooting when he was just 12 years old. He’s always been highly competitive, so he soon decided that a career within shooting was what he wanted to do in life. His first memorable competition win came in 1986 when he emerged victorious in the Home International Skeet Shoot, which took place at the Melton Mowbray Gun Club. Throughout his career, he’s gone on to earn numerous honours which means he’s most certainly placed his name within the Clay Shooting elite. His titles includes the following:
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26 World Titles (13 Sporting, 11 Fitasc, and 2 Compak)
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19 European Titles (15 Fitasc and 4 Compak)
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4 European Compak titles
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12 World Cups
Hannah Gibson
Hailing from Brighton, Hannah Gibson was inspired by her father to get into shooting. In her youth, she was a keen athlete – taking part in a whole host of sports. However, she eventually settled on shooting as her sport of choice. Representing Great Britain shooting Olympic Skeet between 2009 and 2011, Hannah made the decision to switch to English Sporting after this point. Her decision most definitely paid off though, as she became the British Open Sporting Ladies Champion in 2016!
Ed Ling
Born on 7 March 1983, Ed Ling is not only a crop farmer hailing from Somerset, he’s also a renowned English sport shooter too! Representing Team GB at the 2004, 2012, and 2016 Olympics, he was able to earn himself a bronze medal in Trap shooting in the latter. He’s also earned honours in the ISSF World Shooting Championships too, earning silver medals in the Trap event at Grenada 2014 and Moscow 2017, in addition to a bronze which he earned in the Team Trap at Belgrade 2011.
Abbey Ling
As you might have guessed, Abbey Ling is in fact married to Ed Ling. Hailing from Somerset just like her husband, she’s also a highly regarded shooter just like him! Throughout her career, Abbey has become a five time world champion and Commonwealth Games medallist representing both Team England and Team GB. As well her shooting career, Abbey also works as the head female coach at Ling Shooting School.
Conclusion
Here at The Big Shoot, we’re always up for some clay shooting action – it’s totally exhilarating of course! So, why not put your aiming skills to the test this St. George’s Day? Find your nearest venue by visiting the link here. From all of us at The Big Shoot, happy St. George’s Day!