SOMERSET shooting star David Luckman described winning gold in both the Queen’s Prize pairs and individual events at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as an “amazing feeling”.

Luckman, 42, was born in Taunton, and followed his father and brother’s footsteps into target shooting.

He honed his craft at Sedgemoor Target Shooting Club, based in Cassis Close in Burnham-on-Sea.

That was his first club and he shot there regularly through to university, and while he does still represent them in competitions, his horizons are much more international now.

The Commonwealth Games came on the back of shooting’s off-season (October-March), so Luckman had to engage in specific training for the Gold Coast.

He said: “My training comprises of three different sections.

“There is a technical side, though of the four scheduled training weekends, two were lost to the snow.

“So we organised a training camp in South Africa a month before the Games, and that was invaluable.”

He added: “Physical fitness also makes a difference, in coping with the pressure and conditions.

“Then there is visualisation – running through the processes of when I’m competing, and specifically for the Commonwealth Games.

“I don’t usually compete in front of a big crowd or on TV, so this enables me to cope and not be thrown off.”

Having won gold in both Queen’s Prize events in Glasgow 2014, was there more pressure going into this year’s Games?

“In a way, yes,” Luckman said.

“There was more expectation from people at home, but I treated it as a new event, something to achieve not defend.

“I’m at my best when I’m positive and on the front foot.”

Luckman won the Queen’s Prize pairs alongside England team-mate Parag Patel, and said: “Parag and I work together really, really well.

“We’ve been in teams together for 25 years.

“We have a strong understanding, and you have to have that communication to help each other out.”

Having retained his pairs title with Patel, Luckman looked to do the same in the individual event.

“Keeping your focus is massive.

“There are two days of short-range shooting, then the third is long range.

“The long range usually decides it, given the distance and wind factor, but you’ve got to stay in the pack in the short range.

“Psychologically it’s hard to win the pairs and then perform at your best [in the individual event].”

Ultimately he struck gold again by setting a new Games record, and added: “The most amazing feeling builds up as you’re waiting for the medal ceremony.

“Then to stand on the podium and have the anthem played, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Luckman became world champion in 2007, but the back-to-back Commonwealth gold doubles certainly rank up there with that title.

“Achievement-wise, winning the World Championship is probably the biggest.

“But the Commonwealth Games brings more attention, and to be part of the England team is a very different experience.”

Luckman now looks forward to a well-earned break, before building up to the British Open in July and, in the long term, next year’s World Championship in New Zealand.