The Champion
Photo Credits: Mattias Färnstrand/LIGHTATHEART
With only a year and a half, in the game - young IPSC shooter Lilly Westberg has become both Nordic and now National Swedish Champion; in the most rapidly growing shooting sport of Scandinavia.
LIGHTATHEART had the oppurtunity for a quick photo session, while covering the successful PCC Swedish National Championships hosted by Lillys home club IPSC Ockelbo, Sweden.
The 15 stages built at Häbberg shooting range; proved both elaborate and challenging - setting a high standard for events to come. This was a high stakes project, with attitude - seeing that the IPSC section of the club is only about a year in the making.
“I joined this club - because I really like the atmosphere and support here” says Lilly while gearing up.
The impressive 28 year old is as composed and collected in person, as in action - but when photographing unnoticed, prior to first start, I hear her mutter “Shit … I hate having to go out there first” before gracefully and without any sign of hesitation entering the gravelled obstacle course.
Within a 2 hour drive north of Swedish capital Stockholm and Arlanda international airport - Häbberg shooting range and Ockelbo constituency provides a truly rural Swedish experience.
Of all the traits you’ve worked on, to achieve this level of success - which one do you value the most?
I have absolutely no natural propensity for patience. So I’ve had a lot to wrap my head around. Coming into dynamic shooting from stand still precision shooting with a let’s say… temperate competitive spirit; there are a multitude of skillsets needed before you can dream of any results at all. I was poorly prepared for the patience that took.
It’s not your peak performance in a specific skill that constitutes success - it’s the medium of all. You throw obstacles, pace and strategy into the mix and all these elements needs to fall into place. That’s why you see people that have invested a lot of time excel. With that patience comes ability to stay relaxed. You can’t get hung up on a simple mistake. Don’t sour. Keep at it. The way the world looks today - that’s a valuable lesson in itself.
What is the global IPSC community like?
It’s funny you should ask… I’ve actually given that a lot of thought recently. But it is the fellowship and camaraderie. I spent 15 years in competitive equestrian show jumping. There are similarities. You’re facing obstacles, you’re on a course, sometimes even the same sort of surfaces. You’re judging distances, and counting steps while planning your intended course of action. But in all the disciplines of IPSC people are generally generous and supportive of each other - even though competitive. I never experienced that on any level in show jumping. I also like another aspect of the two sports; that everybody can compete against each other regardless of age or gender.
How did you make the transition from competing nationally to internationally?
I don’t like to think about wether I’m at a championship, a local competition or at practise. Don’t get me wrong - I always do my research; but I stick to routines. It helps me focus and stay relaxed. I set goals frequently. Even in my first year of serious competition, and my first championship, the Nordic PCC championships - I set a goal of being on the podium as the best Swedish contender. And I did. Second place 1,5% after the winner, who also happened to be the European champion.That result really motivated me to work even harder. Stiffer competition and practice routines - is what makes you better.
Are there any challenges your sport faces - when communicating with a larger audience?
My parents reaction, the first time I brought a gun to the house, is absolutely hilarious. My dad said “So, you’re aiming at a criminal career now?!” It’s easy to laugh about that particular situation, and I realize that attitudes differ in other parts of the world, but it’s part of an often problematic attitude towards anyone who practises sport shooting in Sweden.
I’m always conscientious of using the word “sport” in conjunction with shooting. It’s a digestible clue for those that entertain the idea that we’re a bunch of trigger happy criminals. The truth is far from it - and the length at which safety and education is part of our sports culture and regulations, makes it completely unattractive to unruly elements . But you see, the general population doesn’t know that yet. People like Pia Clerté, are real role models in the sport - she’s not only a fantastic competitor in dynamic shooting, but she advocates the sport and challenges blatant bias by policy makers and even law enforcement.
My parents actually came to see me compete here in Ockelbo - and I think the championships here really showcased how professional, safe and organised this sport is. In terms of pure quality of stages it even beats the Nordic championships in Norway.
What attracted you to IPSC, as opposed to other shooting sports?
It’s all the variation and difficulties of stages. I easily get bored when things get monotonous. That’s why I’m drawn to several disciplines - like both pistol and PCC. Sometimes it concerns me, you know, that it’s a trait that will prevent me from ever being my best at either discipline. Like this year, with the European Championships in pistol coming up in september; there has been a lot of focus on pistol shooting. I can feel it when going into a PCC competition. But the satisfaction of developing a variety of skills is still king.
Toughest competitor you ever met?
Without a doubt Lars-Tony Skoog. In PCC, he’s the benchmark. I’m lucky to also have him as a coach. That says a lot about the camaraderie in the sport too. His training is relentless. In competition I hear shooters react to the complexity of stages - but with Lars-Tony complex and difficult scenarios are exactly what he puts us through. When you’re not completely new to an experience, your lowest level increases - and you’re less likely to make mistakes.
What PCC equipment do you prefer?
I’m grateful to be sponsored by Jakt och Sportskyttekompaniet. They’ve been very supportive since I first started. My PCC of choice is a short barrel rifle by German manufacturer Schmeisser. To me - it provides agility, and allows running with a one hand grip. I guess the trade-off would be accuracy on distant targets, but that’s manageable with practise.
I think many sport shooters can relate, but closer targets often oppose a common larger problem - over confidence. Ha ha. You’d think something 7 feet away would be an easy target, well… your mind says different when faced with the variety of obstacles in a dynamic shooting competition. It’s all part of the game.
Related Links:
Want to read more from the PCC Swedish Championships? Se the great reportage from journalist Erik B at thefirearmblog.com
Follow Lillys Westberg on INSTAGRAM
Ockelbo Hunting Association & IPSC Section FACEBOOK
Ockelbo Hunting Association & IPSC Section INSTAGRAM
