Millfield student selected for British Shooting Talent Pathway

Millfield student Oliver Austin has been selected onto the British Shooting Talent Pathway for the Olympic Trap Clay Shooting discipline. 

The Year 11 student joined Millfield Prep in Year 5 for its combination of academic and sport opportunities. Oliver said, “I joined Millfield because I liked how you can focus on sports whilst keeping up with your academics. I was first introduced to clay shooting in Year 7 and really enjoyed it.”  

Oliver, who is from Somerset, participates in the Millfield shooting programme, and this year has progressed onto the first team. He said, “At school I can shoot twice a week and I get coaching at each session. Whilst shooting for Millfield, I was in the winning team at the two Marlborough College shoots and the Millfield shooting competition.” 

Alongside his sport, Oliver also takes part in various co-curricular activities at Millfield, he said, “As well as my shooting commitments, I also enjoy swimming and I am a Lance Corporal in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) which I attend twice a week. I also enjoy karting and rifle shooting and playing the drums. At Millfield, there are so many opportunities to try out new things.” 

Oliver is currently taking his GCSEs and is still able to keep up with his academics whilst training and competing away from school. He said, “When I need to take time out for competitions, the school has supported me to keep up with academic work. I also shoot twice a week with the school, so I don’t need to take too much time out and am able to balance both without being overwhelmed.” 

In the future, Oliver hopes to continue with his clay shooting and compete in the Olympic Trap disciplines at the Olympic Games.  

Oliver will be following in the footsteps of OM Peter Wilson who won a gold medal in the double trap at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The clay shooting programme at Millfield welcomes all students regardless of age or ability and provides a supportive environment to enhance their shooting skills under the guidance of six experienced coaches, with opportunities to compete nationally.