Against a backdrop of elite international competition, Jamaica’s shooting fraternity delivered a performance defined by composure, precision, and depth.
At the World English Championship in San Antonio, the island’s representatives stood tall among more than a thousand competitors from 19 countries, reaffirming their place in one of the sport’s most demanding arenas.
From team success to individual brilliance, Jamaica’s campaign was not just competitive, it was commanding.
Team Jamaica steps forward
Represented by the Jamaica Skeet Club, the national delegation brought both experience and ambition to Texas. A 10-member official team, six men and four women, anchored the effort, supported by a wider contingent of 27 Jamaican shooters competing across divisions ranging from D Class to Master.
It was a broad and ambitious presence, signaling the nation’s growing investment in the sport.
The defining team result came from the women’s squad, who delivered a composed and determined performance to secure bronze in the championship’s main event.
Aliana McMaster, Wendy McMaster, Lori-Anne Harris, and Toni Barnes combined effectively to finish third behind powerhouse teams from the United States and England. Their result not only earned a place on the podium but underscored the steady rise of Jamaica’s female shooters on the international stage.
Men miss podium by a margin
The men’s team came agonizingly close to joining their female counterparts on the podium. Christian Sasso, Shaun Barnes, Roman Tavares-Finson, Jonathan Ralston, Nicholas Chen, and Alex Cunningham posted a score of 776, just one point shy of Ireland’s 777.
The narrow margin highlighted both the competitiveness of the field and the fine lines that separate medalists from contenders at this level. The United States dominated with 903, followed by England (876) and Italy (842).
While the team results were impressive, Jamaica’s individual shooters ensured the country’s presence was felt throughout the championship.
Lori-Anne Harris emerged as one of the standout performers, capturing the Winchester Ladies Cup A-D High Overall title with a score of 228/300. She also secured second place in the Main Event C Class, demonstrating both consistency and competitive edge.
Aliana McMaster added to the medal tally with a bronze in the Lone Star Cup AA Class and produced an 81/100 performance in FITASC competition.
Roman Tavares-Finson continued his strong showing with podium finishes in both the Main Event and Super Sporting AA Class, while Jonathan Ralston claimed second place in the Super Sporting AA Class, reinforcing Jamaica’s depth in the discipline.
Independent shooters rise to the occasion
Beyond the official team, Jamaica’s independent competitors delivered a remarkable series of performances that further elevated the nation’s standing.
Philip Burgess produced one of the most extraordinary individual campaigns, securing five podium finishes in D Class. His victories in FITASC, the Lone Star Cup, and American Field Sporting were complemented by third-place finishes in both the Main Event and 5-Stand.
Veteran coach Khaleel Azan added a gold medal in FITASC C Class, while David Subaran and Brian Kong contributed silver medals in FITASC A Class and Super Sporting B Class, respectively.
Leadership behind the performance
Central to Jamaica’s success was the leadership and preparation behind the scenes. Wendy McMaster, serving in the dual role of competitor and team manager, was instrumental in both pre-event organization and on-site coordination.
The Jamaica Skeet Club also acknowledged Tracy Simpson for her critical role in ensuring the team’s readiness and smooth participation at the championship.
McMaster expressed satisfaction with both the results and the professionalism displayed by the Jamaican contingent, noting the discipline and unity that defined their campaign.
In a competition featuring some of the world’s top shooting nations, including the United States, England, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, Jamaica’s results stand as a testament to its growing stature in the sport.
The blend of team success, individual podium finishes, and emerging talent suggests a program on the rise, one capable of competing consistently at the highest levels.
