An 11-year-old learner from Welgemoed Primary School in Bellville has made a remarkable debut at a regional shooting competition, finishing third in the juniors’ category at an event held in Gansbaai last weekend.

Kyle Kingwill, a Grade 6 learner, competed against participants aged 9 to 15, displaying exceptional composure and skill throughout the competition, despite it being his very first competitive outing.

A natural talent on the range

The event drew young shooters from across the region, each showcasing their precision, focus, and dedication to the sport. Kyle distinguished himself as a newcomer, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the discipline and a remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure.

His consistent accuracy throughout the competition earned him well-deserved recognition amongst his peers and spectators alike, culminating in his impressive third-place finish.

Pride from the family

Kyle’s parents, Grant Kingwill and Vanessa Mynhardt, expressed their immense pride at seeing their son perform so confidently on his competitive debut.

“We are incredibly proud of Kyle’s performance this weekend,” they said. “To see him compete with such confidence and achieve such a fantastic result in his very first competition is truly heartwarming. We look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow in this sport.”

What lies ahead

Shooting is a sport that demands discipline, focus, and precision — qualities that Kyle has already demonstrated at just 11 years of age, according to his father. His performance in Gansbaai has set a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of competitive shooting.

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Kyle has expressed his eagerness to continue developing his skills and to participate in further competitions, with his family firmly behind him as he pursues the sport.