My First Time at a Real Competition: A Beginner’s Impressions

I came to Larnaca Olympic Shooting Range for my first-ever competition, not knowing what to expect. I had only seen videos of sporting and compak sporting, and suddenly I was standing among real athletes, hearing the echo of shotguns and feeling the tension of a match day.

The first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. Everyone looked focused, calm, and surprisingly friendly. Even as a beginner, I didn’t feel out of place — people explained where to go, how squads work, and what to expect at each stand.

The sporting layouts blew my mind. The targets looked easy until they actually flew — fast battue disappearing into the sky, rabbit bouncing across the ground, teal rushing upward. I missed more than I hit, but every clean hit felt like a small victory.

Compak sporting was even more intense. Five stations, nonstop action, pairs flying before I could blink. I was nervous, but standing on that line made me feel like I was really part of a competition.

The staff kept everything running smoothly, and the shooters treated each other with respect. Even when I made mistakes, someone always gave a quick tip or said “Good try!”

Walking away from the final stand, I realized why people love this place. Larnaca Olympic Shooting Range doesn’t just host competitions — it makes beginners feel like athletes.

I came as a newcomer.

I left wanting to train harder and come back stronger.