Name: Sarah Campion
Age: 37
Sport: Shooting
Q1) What got you into the sport you are competing in at the Commonwealth Games?
My dad used to shoot but gave it up when I was born. He then took it back up when I was 12 years old and keen to follow in his footsteps. The Western was my first club and I was encouraged by Mary Norman to go into outdoor shooting.
Q2) What’s your main motivation for being an athlete?
I love my sport and being part of a team/club. I always want to better myself by improving my performance, getting better scores and achieving my goals.
Q3) What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Achieving new personal bests, challenging myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zones.
Q4) What’s the best sporting advice you’ve been given?
That sport is a level playing field and everyone is in the same boat as you, so just do your best and enjoy it!
Q5) What have been your major highlights/achievements in your sport?
At the Commonwealth Shooting Federation (European Division) held in Jersey from the 27-30th September 2012. I was on home turf and won gold. I’d only been shooting outdoors for a total of one and a half years. I also achieved four golds in all four of my events at the Island Games.
Q6) Who has been most influential to you in your sport development and why?
My dad – he’s always been there for me and helps me to find solutions where I need them.
Q7) How is the Acorn Performance Pathway supporting you in your development?
The team provide great support in terms of helping with the admin side of things and are always there to provide guidance where it is needed. It’s great to feel part of a large team and they’re very proactive at sending regular communications to us, such as newsletters.
Q8) Who is your sporting hero?
Jessica Ennis-Hill. She to me is a standout female in sport who has achieved so much in her career. She’s also very inspiring to have come back on a competitive level after having children.
Q9) What international sporting moment really stands out for you and why? E.g. Britain winning gold in…; Mo Farah; Lewis Hamilton winning F1 title?
Liverpool Football Club at the European Cup Final 2015, where they scored three goals in six minutes. It showed that anything is possible and to never to give up.
Q10) What’s the most important element of your preparation? (E.g. nutrition, sleep, other…)
Getting a good night’s sleep the night before a competition is very important for me. Also, turning up in good time and being prepared and organised. After all, shooting is a mind game.