A DEADEYE Longparish teenager has claimed bronze for Great Britain at a World Championship shooting competition.

Eighteen-year-old Connor Gorsuch recently fired his way to a bronze medal in Double Trap at the International Shooting Sports Federation’s World Championships.

The talented teenager, who is a former British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) junior and senior world champion, beat 17 of the world’s best young sharpshooters to reach the semi-final of the competition, held in Lonato, Italy.

Gorsuch scored 133 out of 155 to qualify in fourth place for the bronze medal final where he faced Russian Kamil Khusaenov.

The youngster, who started shooting aged just nine, then scored 27 to beat his competitor by just one point and claim the final podium spot.

The Peter Symonds student, who is coached by Commonwealth Double Trap gold medalist Steve Scott, was delighted with the success but claims he is already focusing on his goal of representing his country at the Olympics.

He said: “Clay target shooting really is a major national sport in Italy and I thoroughly enjoyed my time competing at such a fantastic facility.

“It was another great experience representing Great Britain and the dream continues.

“Olympic medals do not happen overnight but I am happy with my progress.

“Now it time for some sporting shooting for the winter season before next year’s competition season as well as supporting my coach Steve Scott in the Olympic year.”

He added: “I would like to express my thanks to Steve, Richard Faulds and Tanya Faulds who are still very supportive at Owls Lodge Shooting School and also to those of you who kindly sent your congratulations.

“Not to forget Peter Symonds College who allow me time-off to compete.”

Connor’s coach, Steve Scott, added: “I have been coaching Connor for about 18 months now, and in this time he has progressed from being an average Double Trap Shooter, to the best performing Great British junior at the World Championships this year, and coming away with a bronze medal to show for all his hard work and dedication.

“I don’t think it will be long until he is pushing for the seniors, and nipping at my heels.

“I am very proud of him, and cannot wait to see what this next year’s training program pushes him to achieve.”