One characteristic that has become apparent from meeting Orkney’s
island games squads over the last few months is the healthy team
morale that exists.
For one person, however, it is not so much about a collective effort,
but an individual one. The county’s air weapons team for next
month’s event will consist of one man, and one man only.
Andrew Purchon, of Burray, will head to Shetland as Orkney’s
only representative in the air rifle competition.
Although the most competitive element of the discipline is the
individual tournament, it is a rarity to have only one competitor,
meaning that Orkney can’t take part in the doubles competition.
Andrew said he is looking forward to travelling to Shetland to
take part in his first island games, and hopes he will be on target
for a medal.
Andrew said: “I’m really looking forward to getting up
to Shetland for the island games.
“I only moved to Orkney two-and-a-half years ago so this will
be my first entry into the tournament, so, obviously, I’m looking
forward to it.
“Although I’m the only air weapons representative from
Orkney going up, I don’t think it matters because you compete
individually anyway.
“We won’t be entered in the team event but, basically,
I’m just glad that we will be represented.”
Andrew, who has been competing in Scottish Air Rifle Association
events, said that, unlike most sports, the aim of the game is to
stay as stationary as possible.
He continued: “Air rifle is quite a contrast compared to most
of the sports at the island games. While most competitors are trying
to move faster, I have to try to stay as still as possible, that’s
the key to this sport.
“You are competing individually, so there is nothing you can
do to affect your opponents, there aren’t too many tactics
you can use against competitors, it is all about your own performance,
skill and concentration.
“There is no point in worrying about opponents because you
cannot do anything about them, it’s not as if you can affect
them in a physical contest like many other sports, you just have
to work on your own game.
“It is not as demanding as some sports for sure. It may sound
simple, but you really have to work at keeping still.
“It requires a lot of stamina and concentration and it is
a lot harder than people think, it is a bit like cricket or golf,
a big part of it is down to your mental ability.”
As well as island games preparation, Andrew believes that domestic
competition has helped his progress.
He added: “In Orkney, we are still competing in postal competitions
so things are still regular, which means I am getting plenty of
practice. I have been practising in both Burray and in Stromness
on Thursdays and on Sundays, so this has helped.
“There is one key thing we have to do in this game, take up
position and try to focus as much as possible. I don’t think
we have to prepare as heavily as some sports have to.
“I have been competing in the Scottish Air Rifle Association
and I have won the division two title, so that is encouraging.
“I am as prepared as I can be, you can always be more prepared
though, there are other factors in your life, unless you are a professional
athlete, then there is always room for improvement.”
Andrew, who started shooting small bore from the age of 17, only
took up air rifle when he arrived in Orkney in 2003.
Although he couldn’t make any predictions, he said he is simply
aiming to do as well as he can.
He said: “I am just going to Shetland to shoot as best I can.
If I was to focus really hard on targets, it would probably be more
difficult to achieve my aims.
“I would like to get to the final, I think if you can get
to that stage, anything can happen. If you do get to the final stage,
there is always a chance of a medal. I would, of course, like to
win one, but, as I say, you just have to do your best.”
The 49-year-old shooter said he is looking forward to tasting the
island games experience and thinks that the main challenge may come
from the Channel Islands.
He said: “I would imagine that it is going to be really good.
“With over 2,000 athletes it is bound to be a good atmosphere
and I am looking forward to experiencing it.
“It will be good to meet a lot of new people and also to see
how some of the other Orkney competitors get on.
“In terms of standard, potentially there are the Channel Islands
competitors, some of whom have competed in the Commonwealth Games,
so there are people who could be world class.
“No doubt I will find out when I get there, it is always good
to experience new competitions and learn from the challenges.”
The air rifle competition may only take place over one day, but
as Andrew said, it can be a busy day for competitors.
He added: “We shoot a 60 shot competition and then the top
eight go into a ten shot final.
“You do have a practice session which will be helpful, although
it is done over one day. You do have to shoot for quite some time
so you have to remain focused."
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