I recently caught up with Ben Husthwaite and discussed what his plans are for the year, his preparation for competition and the North American FITASC where he is setting targets.
So what are your plans for this year?
To compete at all majors and prepare for World FITASC above all else.
I know you must want that World FITASC win really bad. How are you going to get it?
I last won it in 2006.
Yes
and in Cyprus thought I did enough to win it but was beat by a very special performance, in 2009 I was ill prepared and lacked motivation also it was a bit of a flat event with half the worlds best not there. So in Italy it will be huge with the best of the best there and it will be 2 months preparation and try and get it right again.
Yes that won’t be the case, all the top guns will be in Italy. Maybe even a few oddballs from countries that don’t usually go. Do you set your sites on just your performance or do you think about WHO you have to beat?
In the back of your mind you have the usual contenders but I can’t control their performance so really I just make sure I’m in the best shape I can be and hope my timing is there on the Thursday the event starts.
You said to me that in Cyprus at the shootoff you felt a little flat I think. Do you have a good shoot off record? Do you prepare for the potential of a shoot off mentally?
My shoot off record I would say is very good I actually won the world in a very good shoot off, but when its the
silver medal I lose the same buzz having won (gold) already. Some of the younger lads, I’m only 31, (laughter) who have not won it yet, the silver carries drive and desire I think I’m the youngest person to have a full set of Euro and World medals. Euro’s, two gold, two silver, one bronze. One World gold, four silver, three bronze and two World Cups. I think this impacts the state of mind your in, dependant on what medal you shoot off for.
That’s understandable. Have you shot at the Laterina club before?
No but will get pictures and speak with the Italian team well in advance. They cant throw things we haven’t shot before.
True…especially at your level. Do you find though that sometimes a competition can be tough because of the ‘style’ of targets thrown…maybe even boring?
(laughter)
To be honest the goal always blinds what I feel of the shoot untill the journey home, when I start to think about it. No matter what they throw, someone will be crowned world champ and I’d rather that was me. (laughs) So moaning and whining can’t help.
(laughter)
I know you put a lot of emphasis on health and physical training. What do you do in those areas?
I play a lot of rugby for the fitness and stamina. Walking around mountains in heat seriously takes its toll on some shooters. I also hit the gym 5 times a week, when I was growing up at international events you would sit round the pool and the top shots would sit together and it would look like team fat club! (laughter) Thats not good for the sport’s (image) in the media. It’s good to see that the new top shots care about this and a new trend is being set.
So on competition day, what’s your plan like as far as what you eat before shooting and then during the event? What about hydration?
I always start the day with a bath, if I’m on the in the morning then its a slow release carb and protein loaded breakfast with a cereal bar and fruit during the round. If I’m on in the afternoon I eat a little breakfast then a swim or spa if available maybe a little workout then the same carb and protein lunch before shooting. For hydration I use the Go Yin products which are fantastic for energy and concentration and then your regular Gatorade type drinks for energy.
Any thoughts on the World English being back at Lakenheath again? I think it will be Dyson on targets. Some people complain of the terrain being too flat.
Pete Usher is a great organizer and delagator. I don’t think the terrain helps the course designer, Dyson that is and only having the one setter may not work in the shoots favor at all, but Pete will pull something off of that I’m sure. I just hope the level of difficulty represents the shoot.
In your opinion, what’s more important in the UK as far as English sporting, the World or something like the British Open?
For me the biggest sporting shoot is the British Open but I enjoy the World sporting because I get to shoot with international friends etc, although I do think the format should stay how it is now. Whoever thought of making it three yearly and moving it around needs locking up.
Yes, I believe that has caused some bickering among associations. I heard New Zealand for next year…is that right?
Yes and they may get a squad to enter.
(laughter)
Are you going to Euro FITASC in Russia?
If they hold it there then yes but have been told it may be moved due to difficulties getting in.
Oh yeah? Interesting, I too have heard it’s an unpopular choice because of the difficulties with the "authorities" etc…
Correct, its a nightmare getting in.
What’s going to be your first event in th U.S.?
I’m setting the targets in Nashville for the Hafley’s, don’t really have any plans to compete there yet. I’m doing a lot of lessons over there in March and April.
About the North American Championships, what do you have in store for us target wise?
Only seen pictures of the ground so I’m blank as to what I have to work with although it looks intriguing. I will bring my usual flair to the event and also please the masses with targets to break. It will be enjoyable but the winner will need to shoot well and I will be giving lessons on my targets after the event.
I bet a lot of shooters, if they’re smart, will take you up on that!
Hope so. (laughs) as then I can bring target reading in to the lessons too.
How did you get into sporting? Through your father?
We went to a fete together and they had it (sporting) on, I was 8 so we tried it and both were hooked from there. It’s my Dad that keeps me going still. When I broke the world 5-stand record last year with 100 x 100, the look on my Dad’s and Brian Duquesnay’s, my second Dad’s, face made me realize why I still do it.
You were at the first World English in San Antonio as a junior correct?
Yes 1995, defending my title I won in 1994.
I remember watching you shoot there along with Digweed and some of the classics like Stuart Clark and Barry Davis [ed note. I meant Barry Simpson but not entirely sure he was there now.] It was eye opening to us Texans…
Digweed? Never heard of him but Stuart’s a legend.
(laughter)
You going to use the same gun and cartridge setup this year as last?
Yes mate its been the same for ten years no point changing but I will hang the gun up for a newbie at the end of this year. Krieghoff/Gamebore, when I compete I know I have the best equipment in the game along with HiDef Spex and Briley. It can only be pilot error when I miss.
Who is at the top of the game, right now?
I still believe the best three in the world are me, George and Richard (Faulds) without a doubt, not talent wise but mentally, we are stronger. Me and Richard have the best records at the World FITASC of anyone out there…but I would like to dedicate this interview and any wins this year to a great friend, mentor and shotgun legend A. J. Smith.
Great…I’m so sad I never got to meet him or see him shoot. What a true legend…
He was a close friend of mine.
As stated Ben will be giving lessons in the U.S. in March and April. To sign up for the sessions at the N.A. FITASC contact Dogwood Hollow Lodge or inquire at Ben’s website.
For more information on the North American FITASC Championship see our exclusive interview with event manager Mike Hafley.
Photos courtesy: Ben Husthwaite
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