Young shooter sets sights on the world

 By DELLYANNE ILAI

Age does not a matter; it is how much you put into making yourself a top athlete in any sport, Darcy Leahy says.

Leahy, son of Papua New Guinea shooting trainer Peter Leahy is one of the youngest shooters in the shotgun competition in the 2015 Pacific Games. 

“I love my country Papua New Guinea and am proud to be part of the team,” he said

Leahy, 17, of mixed Australian and Chimbu (Kamaneku clan) parentage said growing up his dad Peter in Mt Hagen had helped him. 

Stories about shooting in the ranges by grandparents Tom Leahy and Danny Leahy and the late Sir Joseph Nombri, were motivation for the young Leahy.

He started the sport when he was only seven and during his holidays spending time with his dad in the ranges. Leahy, studying year 12 at the Australia Southport School, said, “I find it interesting not because my did is a shooter but going out there and trying what the sport is all about.

“It’s good to learn from other countries, I’m happy to see the big boys from Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, and Tahiti taking us through.” 

Leahy aims to be part of the team for the Commonwealth Games and competitions coming up.

 “I am inspired when encouraged by other top shooters especially,” the young Simbu man said.

“I always remember what my Chimbu uncles tell me; “Don’t be shy, give a go,” he said.

“I believe one day I will put PNG on the world map where it supposed to be; expect the unexpected,” he said.