Shayon Francis, like most sport shooters, is aware that consistently successful results are only possible through a combination of concentration and precision, self-control and team spirit, long hours of training, technical understanding and skills.

So even before a shot is fired, Francis is confident that the now-formidable Super Six will be a force to reckon with at the Pan American Handgun Championships, scheduled for September 14 to 21 in Florida.

The all-female elite team of Francis, Corporal Kayla Keane, Detective Corporal Sasha-gay Mullings, Renee Rickhi, Shevanese Session and Yeonie Campbell aims to demonstrate their skills and provide observers with an insight into the potential and likely future of Jamaica’s women in competitive shooting.

Session recently replaced Sheresa Solan on the team, but will not make the trip for the much-anticipated event.

“We have made significant progress in recent times and the biggest contributor to this success has been the athletes [teammates] whose commitment and performances continue to inspire and excite others,” Francis, a constable in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), told the Jamaica Observer.

“So the aim is to continue to soar and improve our competition programme and hopefully what we do will create more opportunities for other female shooters to not only take up the sport but also compete at an international level,” she added.

Though they continue to train as a team, the championship will be contested as an individual event and that, for Francis, sparks some excitement as she is gunning to make her mark in the Limited Division of Practical Pistol Shooting.

The 26-year-old, who is assigned to the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), the JCF’s communications arm has an appetite for success, and while she is aware that the intense rivalry and strong competition will no doubt test her mettle, she intends to play hard, play fair and shoot straight.

“We have been practising for some time now and we are still in preparation mode, so I know that the ladies are ready for it and we are going to give it our best shot. As a team, we all have our strong points and mine is definitely accuracy,” Francis declared.

“I must say again that making the team is a huge achievement and up to this point, I still can’t believe I made it this far after just getting involved for some fun. It’s a huge privilege for me to now have the opportunity to represent my country internationally and I am really excited and looking forward to it, as it will definitely assist in further improving my craft,” she noted.

Along with the intensified preparation on the range at the Jamaica Rifle Association (JRA), Francis and her Super Six teammates are now also engaging endurance work through sponsorship from Elite Fitness.

“Personally, I think I should do well and I’m actually putting in the necessary work in preparation for that. I have upped my training from two days to four and sometimes five days per week. I just want to be consistent and focus in trying to reduce mistakes because we are going to be competing against the world’s best,” she said.

“So, mentally, I just stay positive at all times and remind myself daily that I can do it. My teammates and I started our fitness training which also an important factor in practical pistol shooting, as it will help more with our agility and speed,” Francis shared.

The Elite Fitness sponsorship, complements that of Spectrum Systems, which covers cost for airfare, accommodation and match ammunition for five team members to the championship.

Still, Francis pointed out that more will be required to ensure she and her teammates remain on course for a positive outing.

“More resources, ammunition to be exact, because this means we could put in additional training which will result in greater performances,” Francis, who also attends the Univeristy of Technology Jamaica, ended.