Shooting star Pheobe is gunning for glory

Pheobe Taylor, from Hednesford, fired a personal best in the 10m air rifle to earn a place on the squad.

It continues her meteoric rise since first taking up the sport little more than a year ago.

The 15-year-old, who was already a member of the GB junior rifle team, will now target a place in the national squad at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Stepdad Martyn Buttery said: "This is a definite step up in class for Pheobe. She has been marked as a potential squad member for the British team in 2018 or maybe 2022.

"We have to remember she is only 15 but so far nothing seems to be fazing her."

Taylor's interest in the sport has plenty to do with Buttery, himself a successful shooter who has competed at a national level and in the past been part of the British squad.

But even he has been surprised by her rapid progress since first picking up a rifle last September at Rugeley Rifle Club, where they are both now members.

He said: "She just asked 'can I have a go at it?' and things just went from there. There is no question Pheobe has an element of natural talent and she really took to it.

"By January, she was already in the British junior squad. Her other strength is the ability to take things on board. She learns very quickly."

Pheobe's success this year has seen her presented with the Wilkinson Award for most improved shooter.

She has already represented Britain's juniors twice, in Oldenburg, Germany, and at the Junior International in Surrey.

As a member of National Squad Academy (TENS) she will have access to specialist coaching, including a nutritionist.

The secret to success in shooting is not, as many might surmise, merely a case of pointing and firing.

Martyn explained: "You have to be a professional athlete. So much of it comes down to the mind as at the top level competitions are decided by less than millimetres.

"There is so much to consider, from your diet, to how to control your heart rate.

"The best shooters are the ones who can handle the pressure and so far Pheobe has shown she can do that.

"She is now, as you might say 'in with the big boys but we are confident she will do well. For a 15-year-old girl, she's pretty amazing."

In the longer-term, Buttery believes Taylor can target a place in the 2020 Olympics.

In the short-term, she has provided another boost for the Rugeley club, who are now represented by two members in the TENS, with Burntwood's Lizzie Bradbury having already qualified.

Buttery continued: "It is fantastic new for the club to have two young members doing so well. We are very proud of them."