From Farm to Olympics: TCC Alumni on target to shoot in Brisbane 2032

It's not uncommon for young people in rural communities to grow up learning practical skills, but for Bella Woolcock, a proud graduate of The Cathedral College (Class of 2024) and dedicated member of our TCC AgConnect Program, her passion for clay target shooting has grown into a remarkable pursuit of excellence. We're delighted to share this inspiring story, originally written by Judith Maizey and published by Queensland Country Life, which follows Bella's journey from Springsure to the world stage, with her sights firmly set on representing Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

There's nothing unusual about a country kid learning how to handle a gun and shoot, but Bella Woolcock has taken her tuition to a whole new level.

The 18-year-old has her heart set on competing in the trench shooting events at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. And, if even half of what her father and coach, Richard, has to say about his daughter's expertise rings true, Bella's name will be one to listen out for during the 2032 Olympic commentary.

Certainly, her score sheets from competitions to date show she's on target to achieve her goal.

One of six children, Bella lives with and helps her parents, Richard and Jenny Woolcock, on their 24,000-acre cattle property, Oakey Creek, at Springsure. The family runs a 2100 breeder herd of Droughtmasters, turning off 1500 to 2000 weaners a year.

Last year, Bella graduated Year 12 from The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, and intends on studying a dual degree in Agriculture and Business or Law at the University of New England in Armidale, NSW, next year. She is currently studying a Certificate in Livestock Management online, and is working part-time in Springsure to fund her shooting career.

Proud father and coach Richard Woolcock with his daughter, Bella, at their property, Oakey Creek, near Springsure. Picture by Judith Maizey.

Bella said she remembered picking up a real gun when she was about 11 because her whole family was into competition clay target shooting. She said it was mostly because of her brother, Hastings, who is 18 months older than her, that she got interested in the sport.

"I said, 'I want to beat him because if he's doing it, I wanna do it too'," she said.

"So I picked up a gun and I started shooting, and I gradually made my way up through the ranks."

After starting in zone competitions, Bella was selected for the state team when she was only 14. In 2022, she then went to the nationals in Wagga Wagga for the first time, competing in the junior team. Bella was then chosen for the Ladies open team at the nationals, travelling the following year to South Africa for the world competition, becoming the ICTSF DTL Ladies World Champion at 16. In April this year, she competed in Perth in trap, again making the Australian team which will compete in New Zealand at the world competition to defend her 2023 Ladies title.

Bella Woolcock, 18, has come a long way since she was a four-year-old with a toy wooden gun. Pictures supplied.

Bella said it was not until she made the national team that she decided competition shooting was what she genuinely wanted to do.

"I remember Dad sitting me down at about 9 or 10 o'clock...he had my brother and me there and he said 'if we're gonna go forward, you've gotta want this'," she said.

"I just remember in that moment that my answer - and there was no hesitation - was 'yes, this is what I want'."

It was at that point that Bella started trench or trap shooting for the Olympics. She said it was harder than clay target shooting because the targets were at twice the angle and went at 100 kilometres an hour.

"So you've only got a second to shoot at it," she said.

To qualify for the 2032 Olympics, Bella will have to get her average up, along with her ranking and scores.

"There's a whole process which takes about two to three years minimum before you are considered for selection," she said.

"You can't just shoot a score, you've got to build a background of who you are, that you can hold a score, and that you're performing and can continue to perform at a level they require."

Bella practises once every two weeks at the moment, but when there is a big competition coming up, she trains morning and night. She said she also prepared herself in multiple ways before a competition and when competing.

"It's routine and with routine there's discipline...because you've just got to shoot one target at a time," she said.

"And if you do the same thing over and over without fail, there's no reason why you would miss a target.

"The reason why most people miss a target would be just a lack of discipline and putting it in your shoulder or nerves, or they aren't focused."

Bella said she still had moments when her thoughts wandered and she had to catch herself.

"I used to panic and overthink, but now when I have those thoughts, I don't freak out," she said.

"I go, okay, this is a thought, acknowledge it, accept it, then come back and take a shot...breathing exercises are also really good."

After 39 years of competition shooting in Australia and internationally, Mr Woolcock said dedication and determination were the two most important things that an athlete needed to be successful in sport. He said hand-eye coordination was also important for an elite shooter.

"But determination that you can do it, and it doesn't matter whether you're running, jumping, driving, shooting, cattle work or anything," he said.

"I'm very fortunate that all my children have got a can-do attitude."

Mr Woolcock acknowledged his daughter was probably a better shot than he ever was, and he has absolutely no doubts she will make the 2032 Olympics. He said it was phenomenal what his daughter had achieved at such a young age in her shooting career.

Bella said she was always happy and satisfied after a competition if she had performed to the best of her ability.

"I think the biggest buzz is when you know they're bad conditions and you give it your all...and the best shooter wins on the day," she said.

And, after doing her best and getting a win, nothing makes her happier or prouder than knowing that all the support from her father, family and friends has been rewarded.