Shooting star set for Commonwealth Games

The 34-year-old clay shooter, who specialises in the Olympic Trap discipline of the sport. regularly competes on the national and international stage but is now set to take part in her first multi-sport event when the Games hit Glasgow at the end of July.

And speaking to the Mercury following the confirmation of her Team England call-up, the current British champion revealed how thrilled she is to be involved.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get in as it’s what I’ve been working so hard towards over the last few years.

“My dad, Joe, who is also my coach, won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games the last time they were held in Scotland in 1986 so it’s great to be following in his footsteps and I hope I can do just as well.”

Caroline, who lives with husband Paul and daughter Xanthe, will be part of an 11-strong shooting squad with four of them competing in the Olympic Trap event.

She added: “We’ll mostly be based at the Athletes Village but the events will take place at the Carnoustie Golf Course, during which time we’ll stay in Dundee.

“We’ll head to Scotland on July 17 and be there for the opening ceremony on July 23 which will be a great experience.”

Caroline has been shooting for over ten years and finished 2013 ranked number two in Great Britain and number one in England.

This year she has already competed at the World Cup in Kazakhstan as well as in the USA, Spain and Italy.

With no central funding available she relies entirely on sponsorship to cover her costs and says she is grateful to all of those who support her.

She said: “Over the past 18 months I have been part of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport and the support they have provided me has been instrumental in my performances that led to my selection for the Games.

“They have provided a comprehensive support package that has been tailored to my individual requirements.”

“I’m also grateful to have a local support network to help with the physical training.

“Darwin Forest Holiday Park have been really helpful in getting me ready for my international competitions this year.

“They have provided me with membership to Evolution Fitness, crèche facilities for my young daughter and physio from Derbyshire Sports Massage.

“It is hard work trying to juggle training, working and motherhood so having all these fantastic facilities in one place has been a great help.”

“Irwin Mitchell solicitors in Matlock have also provided great financial help to me.

“I am very lucky to have the support of my family, in particular my husband Paul, and securing a place in the Commonwealth Games team definitely makes allthe sacrifices worthwhile.”