VETERAN shooter Robert Passarin proudly returned from the 47th World Sporting Clay Championships with silverware in hand.
Held in Cyprus on July 25-27, Robert won the silver medal in the individual veterans’ category and was also part of the Australian team that took the silver.
To top it off, he won silver in the Veterans’ World Cup, which took three international sporting clay events into consideration.
Robert won the FITASC Oceanic Championships in New Zealand in March and came in second at the 2025 FITASC Grand Prix in South Australia, which went towards his World Cup placing.
Robert competed in Cyprus from July 24 to 27 in challenging 43-to-45-degree heat.
He finished equal fifth amongst the 53 Australians who competed and missed out on winning gold by just one target.
As a team, the Australians missed out on gold by two targets.
Robert shot during the morning rotation and was kept in suspense all day as the winning shooter competed during the afternoon rotation.
“It was a close run in the end, and a really good event,” he said.
Returning home with his silverware, Robert now has the full complement of medals, having won gold in Italy in 2022 and bronze in America in 2024.
He also competed in England in 2019 but fell out of the placings.
Locally, Robert has been a member of the Westernport Field and Game Club since he was a junior, inspired by his father.
He went through to the seniors but then moved away to Melbourne for work.
Life came along and Robert got married and had children and didn’t find his way back to the sport until he was 38.
He has been heavily involved with the field and game club since he was 50.
Now, just shy of 70, Robert has enjoyed travelling the world and performing exceptionally well on the international stage.
“There are a lot of great local clubs I have to thank – they are all great clubs to shoot at. I primarily shoot with Westernport, but I attend events in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon. It helps to keep my eye in,” Robert said.
“I love it. I’ve always been competitive when it comes to clay target shooting. I’m stoked to be part of it.”
His passion for clay target shooting is shared by his family.
His granddaughter, now 16 years old, recently shot 25 straight, and his son and brothers have all been involved in the sport.
Robert said it’s the inclusivity that makes the sport what it is.
“Men and women, seniors and junior, and all abilities can get involved with clay target shooting – that’s the key. There’s no limit to who can compete,” he said.
Robert is looking to continue his run in 2026, with the World Sporting Clay Championships set to be held in Portugal.
“I will be trying out for Portugal through a series of selection shoots,” Robert said.
“If I continue down the path I’m on, I’ll hopefully make the Australian team again.”
The Australian Championship is set to be held in Brisbane, the Grand Prix in Cooma, New South Wales, and the Oceanic Championships is yet to announce a location.
Robert thanked his family for their ongoing support.
“You rely on your family so much to give you a chop out so you can travel,” he said.
Robert made special mention of his wife Fiona, who has always supported him in the pursuit of his dreams.
He also thanked his veteran team members Ernie Schiedl and Russell Pigdon, and their families.
“Thanks to all the members of the Aussie contingent and the many friends back home for their encouragement and support,” he said.