Kinsey Duzan Represents the United States in Olympic Trapshooting at the ISSF Junior World Cup in New Delhi, India
- stacyandmel
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Hello again everyone! In September, I had the honor of representing the United States of America in Olympic Trapshooting at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) - Junior World Cup in New Delhi, India. 208 athletes from 19 countries competed in 18 events consisting of pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. USA Shooting’s Junior Trapshooting Team delegation consisted of four women and five men under the age of 21. Athletes from 12 countries competed in Olympic trapshooting where competitors were presented with 125 clay targets thrown at varying angles and heights at nearly 70 mph. Each athlete is presented with the exact same targets but in a random sequence, and must utilize identical, highly regulated, 12-gauge ammunition consisting of #7.5 lead shot weighing 24g (7/8 oz). The sport is highly regulated so that the only variables are the weather conditions and the competitor.
My travel to India was not without challenges. Inclement weather resulted in a 24-hour layover in Newark, NJ, a 1:30 AM arrival in India six hours before departing for the shooting range, heat indices approaching 100F, high humidity, a nine and half hour time change, and jet lag did not hinder my ability to perform as much as it could have. I had to dig deep during competition, but I was able to post my best competition performance to date. After day one of competition and 75 targets, I posted the 3rd highest score and was in 7th place on the scoreboard. On day two of competition, jet lag weighed heavily, and the adrenaline tank was empty resulting in an 11th place finish in the women’s division, yet I was extremely pleased as I recorded my best ever score in competition. An 11th place finish only tells part of the story as the competition was extremely close, and I finished only two targets short of a 6th place finish and earning a spot to compete in the finals (shoot-off of the top six finishers).
The women’s division was won by Lea Kucerova of Czechia and the men’s division was won by Toni Gudelj of Croatia. Americans, Lucy Myers (age 20 – Hughesville, PA) and Tony Meola (age 20 - St. Petersburg, FL), each placed 6th overall in their respective divisions. I was fascinated to learn that many athletes from other countries train at least five times per week, have full-time coaching, and are subsidized by their government or sanctioning bodies. In comparison, I am 100% self-funded, driven by grit, dedication, and instinct, and I try to train one to two times per week if the weather agrees. I am blessed to have received coaching from Terri Wentzel from the SCTP International Team and to have attended camps led by USA Shooting, Jay Waldon, Lance Bade, and Brian Burrows. While international trap is one of my passions, I dedicate myself equally to my other responsibilities (high school and college) as well as my other interests and passions (my herd of Boer goats, 4-H, volunteering at the Columbus Zoo, Junior Fair Board, IORG, and volunteering with the Adaptive Sports Connection). It was an honor to represent my country, my state, Northridge High School in Johnstown, OH, the Scholastic Clay Target Program International Team, Ohio 4-H National Shotgun Team, and Centerburg Youth Shooting Sports.
I would like to send a shout out to my fellow teammates from the event that proudly represented the USA. Thanks to AJ Bovee (OR), Max Hatfield (OH), Kaleb Horinek (UT), Tony Meola (FL), Jackson Schroder (MI), Heidi Griner (TN), Lucy Meyers (PA), & Micaela Velasquez (TX) for the support, encouragement, and all the laughs.
Lastly, I cannot thank family, friends, coaches, teammates, and USA Shooting enough for the opportunity, for all the donations that made this trip possible, and for all the support and encouragement. This trip was a life-changing experience, and it helped me realize how close I am to a podium finish on the international stage. Furthermore, India is an amazing place to see and experience and absolutely everything about the trip helped me further appreciate everything we have in our lives, our opportunities, and our freedoms in the USA.
For more information about me and my endeavors, please visit kinseyduzan.com or @kinseyduzan on Instagram.
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