10 october 2024 : Less than three months after winning gold with a record-breaking 48/50 score at the Paris Olympics, England’s trap shooter Nathan Hales is set to compete at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. He views the upcoming competition as a “mini Olympics” and aims to assert his dominance once again. Despite the challenges, including world-class competitors and unpredictable conditions, Hales is confident. He has consistently excelled, having secured silver at the 2022 World Championships and breaking the world record with a gold at the 2023 Lonato World Cup.
“This will be my first trip to Delhi, and I’m really excited,” Hales, 28, said. “This year has been fantastic, and I want to finish it on a high.” Hales, who comes from a family of shooters, started clay shooting at age five. After a brief break following the Olympics, during which he handled sponsorships and media commitments, Hales is easing back into competitive shooting.
Peaking twice in a short span can be exhausting, but the preparation for the Olympics took such a toll on Hales that he’s barely picked up his gun since the Games. “Peaking between two major events in such a short time is a challenge, but it’s the reality,” he admitted. The year-end competition will also mark the beginning of the new Olympic cycle, and Hales is eager to start the long journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on a strong note. He’ll also be trying a new weapon, swapping his Beretta DT11 for a more advanced Beretta SL2.
“I’ve had just four sessions since Paris, which isn’t ideal, but I needed some time off. I like to prepare thoroughly for my events, and I prefer my practice to be perfect,” Hales explained. “I’m not at my best for the World Cup Final, but in a mentally demanding sport like ours, it’s important to strike the right balance.”
Hales’ year reached its peak at the Chateauroux Shooting Range in France, where he defeated China’s Qi Ying by four points despite extreme heat. Both shooters surpassed the Olympic record, but Hales gained an edge when Ying missed his 34th and 35th attempts. “The Chinese shooters are world-class, and their depth is incredible,” Hales said. “What worked for me was that I had already beaten Qi in Lonato last year. I was also extremely focused and had done everything possible in my preparation. Leading up to Paris, I didn’t shoot for 10 days, which is a rare space for an athlete to be in. You can win events, but it’s very rare to enter that mental zone.”
Supporting Hales throughout his journey was his wife, Charlotte Kerwood, a former Olympic shooter and four-time Commonwealth Games double trap gold medallist. Her experience as an elite athlete proved invaluable as she helped Hales chase perfection. “Her guidance was incredibly helpful. With her vast experience, she was able to prepare me for situations I hadn’t faced before,” he noted.