Family of top guns

 By DELLYANNE ILAI

A MOTHER and her two teenage children are representing Guam in the shooting competition.

Maria Teresa Duenas, daughter Amelia, 17, and son Ricardo, 15, are cherishing the moment.

“It is very challenging to compete and see Papua New Guinea and other countries with very skilful shooters,” mum Maria said.

“I feel it is like a normal competition because of the friendly shooting environment.”

The Guam female shooting team won three gold medals and a bronze for the 10m air pistol won by Amelia.

Maria, Richardo Duena and Amelia competed in 10m air pistol, 25m pistol mix and 25m pistol standard.

Duenus told The National that shooting was a good sport for women because it helped in improving their concentration and to maintain balance and focus. “It was challenging to see the gold taken up by Tania Mairi and silver to Mel Donald. But we had the bronze,” she said.

“In any sport, we have to look at a wider perspective.”

“Women have potentials like PNG’s Mairi and Donald, and Tahiti’s Darius Maeva, with skills and vision in this sporting code.”

She said bringing a female team required sacrifice to get to the top with Guam, Fiji, PNG, New Caledonia and Tahiti giving it their best shot.

Bronze medallist Amelia said:  “I had a bit of fear being the youngest in the female shooting team.”

She said it was always challenging during the 25m standard pistol mix when competing with men.

“It’s another step.  The feeling is high and very empowering,” she said.