Commonwealth Gold Medallist Kerwood ready for Olympic glory

At just 23 years of age Charlotte Kerwood already boasts an impressive resume that features three Commonwealth gold medals and an appearance at the Beijing Olympics. Now the target shooter from Sussex has her sights firmly set on achieving a first ever Olympic medal at her home games in London.

The British number one has fond memories of competing in major competitions on home soil. In 2002, aged just 15, Kerwood shocked the rest of the field by winning gold in the double trap, an event she had only been begun training for that very same year.

“I went along solely to enjoy the experience, I really didn’t think I would have any chance of winning a medal,” explains Kerwood. “There was no expectations on me so that took the pressure off, especially as I thought I was competing to simply gain experience. It was quite nerve-wracking and I couldn’t believe I actually won.”

Kerwood continued her excellent record at major championships when she returned to the Commonwealths in Melbourne and gained two gold medals. This time round she not only retained her title but also added the double trap pairs alongside Rachel Parish.

After achieving so much success in the double trap discipline, Kerwood was forced to change her focus as the event was removed from the Olympics. In its place came shotgun trap, a similar event but one in which she had very little experience.

“Going into the Olympics in Beijing I had only been competing in shotgun trap for a couple of years so I was extremely inexperienced. The angles are a bit more extreme and the targets move a little faster but I gave it a go in 2008. Now I have gained more experience I am really looking forward to London as I have a much better chance of medalling.”

After the 2008 Olympics Kerwood’s life was made tougher as shooting took the brunt of UK Sport’s funding cuts. Having failed to reach the target of two medals in China, funding was cut by a staggering 76% as 46 athletes were cut down to just five.

During this time Kerwood was forced to pay her own travel expenses as she competed in worldwide tournaments. “Last year I had to compete in Cairo which cost over �2000 for six days, so it’s certainly not a cheap sport. I was extremely lucky that my parents were able to help me out as otherwise it would have been impossible to compete without the funding.

“It was a real shock to see it taken away, but at the same time I think that it has made me more hungry as well. You can never take you place for granted so it has forced me to work even harder and luckily I have had a pretty good year.”

This impressive form over the last year has led to Kerwood regaining her funding alongside five other competitors. Safe in the knowledge that she no longer has to struggle with money issues has meant that the triple gold medallist can solely concentrate on trying to win her first Olympic title.

This year Kerwood will not be competing at her third Commonwealth Games but instead will hope to put in a good performance at the World Championships. Having narrowly missed out on the 2009 final by just one target, she hopes that her improved preparation can help secure a final place.

“I have a new coach and I have changed a lot in my technique all with London in mind. I have even started working with a psychologist to try and find different ways to calm my nerves and focus. They say that you don’t peak until your thirties so I still have a few more years to go.”

With Kerwood now completely focused on the Olympic trap and not having to worry about her funding there is no reason why she should not be celebrating in London come 2012.

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Charlotte Kerwood is a brand ambassador for Musto, for more information please visit www.musto.com