USQ professor supports Aussie team at World Championships

A USQ academic will become the psychologist-in-residence when the Australian Shooting Team competes at the 50th ISSF World Shooting Championships in Germany later this month (July).

Faculty of Sciences Professor in Psychology, Peter Terry, will provide psychological support to the Australian coaches and 30 of the nation’s best shooters as they take aim during the international competition at the Olympic Shooting Range in Garching-Hochbruck, Munich, from July 29 until August 11.

'Of all sports, I believe that shooting is the most psychologically demanding,' Professor Terry said.

'Earlier this year I worked with some Australian shooters at the World Cup event in Sydney, including pistol shooter Dina Aspandiyarova and 2004 Olympic gold medallist, trap shooter Susan Balogh. Dina, in particular, was having trouble coping with the pressure of finals.

'It was wonderful to be there when Dina won a silver medal; her first World Cup medal for the Australian team.'

Professor Terry said the typical pistol shooter was quite introverted, whereas the typical shotgun shooter was more of an extrovert.

'The key is to observe each individual and discover the underlying issues that affect their concentration and belief in themselves as winners.'

Professor Terry is renowned for his research into sport psychology, music psychology and his work with elite athletes from all over the world.

In 2008, he attended the Beijing Olympics (his 8th Olympic Games) and provided support to shooters from several countries, including Australia, Ireland, Great Britain, and Namibia.

'This is the first year that I will be working with my home country’s athletes alone, so I am extremely proud of that,' he said.