KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna-based marksmen Taylin Lincow and her father, Julian Lincow, delivered standout performances at the final IPSC Shotgun Nationals of the year, held recently at the Kraaifontein Shooting Range in Cape Town.
The high-level competition also served as the first qualifier for the 2025 IPSC World Shoot, which will take place in Corinth, Greece, in September next year.
Taylin dominates Standard Ladies Division
Taylin produced a commanding performance in the Standard Ladies Division (Semi-automatic Shotgun), navigating 15 demanding stages over two days with precision and composure.
Her consistency across the event earned her a clean sweep of top honours, including the President's Medal, the Sapsa Medal, and the division's gold medal.
She also placed 13th overall across all categories - competing against a field largely dominated by experienced male shooters - and secured the title of 2025 South African champion in the Standard Ladies Division.
Family presence
Her achievement formed part of a notable family showing, with both Taylin and her father competing at elite level in different shotgun divisions as they move closer to potential selection for the national Protea team.
The father-daughter duo participate in separate categories with Taylin competing in Semi-automatic Shotgun and Julian in Pump Action.
"This year is even more meaningful because we'll both be wearing our Protea colours," Julian said. "We'll once again be shooting together on the world stage."
Intensive preparation ahead of nationals
In preparation for the nationals, the pair intensified their training programme, travelling to Port Elizabeth for club matches and hosting practice events at their Homtini Tactical Shooting Range.
Taylin's preparation included extensive dry-fire drills and structured stage simulations designed to improve speed and target acquisition.
Taylin Lincow in action.
"Coming off a win in my previous match, the pressure to defend my title was definitely there. My goal was not only to compete for the trophy, but to reclaim the title of South African Ladies Champion," she said.
The demands on international level
IPSC Shotgun is a dynamic discipline that requires competitors to engage steel plates and clay targets across complex stages using birdshot, buckshot and slugs.
The upcoming World Shoot in Greece will feature more than 700 competitors from 60 to 70 countries, over five days and 30 stages.
Conditions are expected to vary widely, with athletes competing in changing weather and highly technical stage layouts. Taylin said such challenges demand both physical precision and mental resilience.
"International ranges demand a higher level of technical readiness and mental resilience. That's exactly what we're preparing for," she said.
Eyes on final qualification
Beyond technical skill, Taylin emphasised the importance of mental discipline in maintaining consistency under pressure, particularly over multi-day competitions where fatigue and setbacks can affect performance.
Julian Lincow in action.
With one qualifier completed, attention now turns to the second selection event scheduled for March next year, where final Protea team selections will be made.
For Taylin Lincow, the goal is clear; to represent South Africa alongside her father on the world stage in Greece, as part of what she describes as a global community of shooters that feels "like a family".
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