Willett lands double trap world cup title to continue 2016 success

NSWIS sharp shot James Willett was named the men’s Double Trap world cup champion at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup Final in Rome, Italy last week, continuing the fine form he has shown throughout 2016.

Earlier this year the 20-year-old from the NSW town of Mulwala was named Shooting Australia’s ‘Male Shooter of the Year’ and ‘Athlete of the Year’, and was then selected to make his Olympic debut in Rio.

Willett entered last week’s the world cup final ranked third in the world, and was shooting off against 2008 Olympic finalist Jeffrey Holguin of the USA for the title. Eventually the young Aussie prevailed to take the title by one target with a score of 28, while Holguin could only manage 27.

“I came over here a few days ago and enjoyed the range and the shooting, and I managed to put a good score together and win today,” Willett told Shooting Australia after the final.

In his first ISSF World Cup Final appearance, Australia's James Willett secured the men's Double Trap Gold in Rome! Congrats James! #ISSFWCF pic.twitter.com/bm6g5SOkA8

— ISSF (@issf_official) October 12, 2016

Continuing to reflect on what he has achieved in 2016, including a fifth place finish at the Rio Olympics, Willett said his biggest focus now is shooting for Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020.

“(I’ve) had a big year, in 2016. I got to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. I managed to come 5^th in Rio. I was a little bit disappointed on not winning a medal. I came here trying to finish the year on a high, and I can’t complain,” Willett enthused.

“The next aim is to make the Tokyo 2020 Games, and hopefully win a gold medal there.”