Ahead of all the Olympic action at the Châteauroux Shooting Centre starting tomorrow (27th July 2024) at 08:00 with the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team qualifications, we thought it would be good to get to know our 2 Team GB representatives, Seonaid McIntosh and Mike Bargeron a little better.

We fired a few questions their way as we chatted competitions, shooting and their favourite takeout!

**Name:** Seonaid McIntosh
**Disciplines:** 10m Women’s Air Rifle, 10m Mixed Air Rifle, 50m Women’s 3P
**Gun:** Pardini Air Rifle and Grunig .22
**Favourite Ammo:** Lapua
**Proudest achievement:** Being World No. 1 in two events

Photo courtesy of British Shooting

This is Seonaid’s second Olympics, having previously competed in 2020. Current World number 1 in Women’s 50m 3P, World Champion and triple European Champion, Seonaid has a wealth of experience to add to her extraordinary skill.

The Olympics is such a special event in the competition calendar, what is it like compared to other competitions?

It’s much bigger than other competitions. Not in terms of size since its actually the smallest field outside of the UK but it’s got the more coverage and attention and probably the most pressure to it.

When you hit a goal or achievement how do you treat yourself for a job well done?

In training if I hit a goal then I get Penguin biscuits. If I do well at a competition, my Dad often buys me dinner.

You’ve stopped at a service station to get a drink, what’s your order?

Berry flavoured Lucozade Sport because I’m almost always dehydrated after shooting.

Outside of shooting, share with us something you get excited about / something you love to do?

I have a ton of hobbies. I have recently accrued a large collection of house plants that I like looking after. I like to read a lot, mostly sci-fi or fantasy. I love going to the gym and doing yoga.

Other than the essentials, what’s the one thing you bring with you when you travel for competitions and why?

Ducky. My soft toy duck that my boyfriend bought for me last Easter. He’s a very well-loved duck and has often been mistaken for a childhood toy since he’s a little worn, but he does get washed regularly, I promise. He’s my emotional support when I’m away from home. And when I’m at home to be honest.

What’s your favourite item in your kit bag?

My kneeling role. It’s very quirky looking and I love it. My Dad bought it for me because of its mental pattern.

What’s your favourite place to travel to in the world and why?

So far, South Africa. It’s warm and sunny and the food it amazing. The wildlife is like nothing you’d see anywhere else and it’s a super chill place to train.

What’s your competition day routine?

I wake up in the morning, usually late, do my hair and makeup, throw the stuff in my bag that I meant to pack the night before but didn’t. Grab Ducky and run for a bus that I am inevitably running late for. Once I get to the range, I nibble on some snacks while getting my stuff ready and then just wait to get called to the line. I’ll take through the match plan with my Dad (coach) and my psych and then we get going.

You’re ordering takeaway / fast food, what do you get?

There’s an Indian restaurant near where I live that does the best Malai Paneer. That or Japanese, Sushi or Ramen.

What advice would you give to aspiring Olympian / Paralympian Target Shooter?

Self-awareness is the most important skill for you to develop as a shooter (and for life in general). That’s both mental and physical. Breathing is another key skill. And lastly discipline. It’s frustrating when you think you’re not doing very well, and you might just want to stop but you have to go through the rough bits to get better. Discipline is what helps you through the rough parts.

Photo courtesy of Eleanor Shorey @theshorey

Mike Bargeron is competing in his first Olympics and is the first male to compete for Team GB in an Olympic rifle event since 2012.

The Olympics is such special event in the competition calendar, what does the Olympics mean to you & what does it mean to be chosen to compete?

Honestly, this is something I have dreamed about since I started shooting. I went to watch the Men’s Air Rifle at London 2012 and it sparked excitement and drive, I remember saying “This is what I’m going to do”. It took a little longer than I originally thought, but a decade of hard graft has led me to here. Winning a quota place in Rio de Janeiro, and now being selected to compete in Paris 2024 is the best feeling.

How did you get introduced to target shooting?

I actually started with archery as a “Father & Son” activity with my Dad in 2008. We didn’t go to enough probationary sessions for the archery club, so we didn’t get accepted as full members. We found a nearby shooting club (Croydon Rifle and Pistol Club) and decided to give it a try. The Club was (and still is) extremely welcoming and successful. I was inspired by Commonwealth Games medallists Ken & Kenny Parr, and then in 2014 I decided to have a go at ISSF prone shooting. In 2015 I picked up Air Rifle and 2016 - 50m 3P.

Other than the essentials, what’s the one thing you bring with you when you travel for competitions and why?

It has to be my noise cancelling headphones. Perfect for flights, being on the range, or just having some peace and quiet.

What’s your favourite item in your kit bag?

I think my SCATT. Such a good tool for training.

If you hit a sticky patch in a competition, what helps you find your rhythm and regain your focus?

I’ve worked hard with my psychologist to be able to focus on my breathing and bring my focus back to the task at hand. It’s much more difficult than you expect, but invaluable.

What advice would you give to aspiring Olympian or Paralympian Target Shooter?

Stick with it. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep working on the basics and try and be 1% better each day.

What inspires you to be the best shooter you can be?

My teammates. Not only their support of me, but also watching them work hard through the highs and the lows and being invested in their journeys.

Anything you’d like to add?

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of British Shooting, UK Sport and the National Lottery. Thanks to the staff, coaches and practitioners I’ve had through the years.

The support I’ve had from Sue Norman, thank you! She has worked tirelessly to cover for me at work to allow me to go out and get that Olympic place this year, which I wouldn’t have been able to do without her help.

Finally, thank you to my sponsors, ELEY, Capapie Sports, and Steyr Sport – for providing the best ammunition and kit available.

A huge thanks to both Seonaid and Mike for their time and we wish them successful shooting for Paris 2024! You can catch them in action from 08:00 27th July, check out the timetable for the Rifle & Pistol events.

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