SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 9 In the genes "Mum's a role model," says Rebecca Dean, 15, who won the Under 18 Junior Trophy and fi fth place in the open class. "It would be really cool to achieve what she's done." Tanya Davidson was born into a competitive shooting family – "both Mum and Dad represented New Zealand in competitive shooting," she says – and represented New Zealand in silhouette shooting at the 1991 and 1993 Oceania Games. Tanya also competed for Australia at the 2000 IMSSU World Games in Brisbane. Rebecca has another inspiration in her big sister Melissa, who has won a number of metallic silhouette national competitions as well as representing Australia in the United States and in New Zealand. "She still beats me but I'm getting close," Rebecca says. "I say it's in the genes – my genes, because both girls have different fathers," Tanya says of her talented daughters, but she's quick to acknowledge the part Graeme has played in developing their skills – and so is Rebecca. "Grae's amazing. I'd be nowhere without him. He's taught me every trick he knows!" she says. By preference Rebecca shoots Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette in rimfi re pistol and rifl e. "I like the challenge of the open sight. I don't like scope shooting as much, and I love lever action." She has been to True Grit both this year and last, and says she's stoked to be a junior winner. "It's such a tough competition to get through all those shots that to win the competition is the proudest thing for me." Rebecca says her goal is to be picked to represent Australia at the US competitions. "I'm trying to get better and to get the types of scores needed," she says. Although they are currently in different age categories, the two girls are respectful of each other's ability. "We're good friends," Brooklyn says. "We often compete together. Sometimes she spots for me and I do the same for her."

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