An NHS Forth Valley consultant has helped Great Britain secure a historic victory at the FTR Rifle Shooting World Championship, winning the prestigious title for the first time in August.
Dr Chris Cairns, who works in Critical Care, was part of the GB team that triumphed after a closely fought competition in which the result was decided in the final round.
Chris first became involved in long-range target shooting during his school years before returning to the sport after the Covid-19 pandemic. Competing through local shooting clubs in Scotland, he enjoyed early success and earned a place at GB team trials in 2024.
Preparing for international competition has required significant commitment. With team training taking place at the National Shooting Centre in Bisley, Surrey, Chris has regularly travelled the length of the UK while balancing a demanding role in Critical Care at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
He explained: “Training involves equipment preparation, regular range time and a lot of analysis. Trying to hit a five-inch bullseye from 800, 900 and 1,000 yards isn’t easy, especially with a variable crosswind. Balancing training with my role in Critical Care has required effective time management and understanding colleagues and family. I haven’t had much spare time.”
The championship itself proved to be a tense contest, with GB leading Pakistan by just a single point going into the final round. When victory was finally confirmed, Chris described a mixture of relief and immense pride after two years of dedication and using much of his annual leave to support the campaign.
He said: “GB has never won this event before, so we had blazed the trail. It was an incredible feeling and a huge achievement for the whole team.”
Looking ahead, Chris plans to continue competing and helping to develop the next generation of shooters. As captain of the Scottish team, he remains actively involved in Home Nations events and mentoring younger athletes, including members of the GB Under-25 squad.
