Crack military markswoman takes top honours at international shooting event

VANCOUVER – A Canadian Army reservist from Vancouver Island didn't miss as she put first place in the cross hairs at an international shooting competition in England.

A National Defence Department release says Sgt. Tatyana Danylyshyn earned the top shot honour in the service rifle category at the annual Bisley shooting competition held in the Village of Bisley, southwest of London.

Danylyshyn joined the The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's), based in Victoria, as a reserve member in 2002 and has competed in several shooting competitions since then, placing second in two previous appearances at Bisley.

A 20-member team represented the Armed Forces at the most recent Bisley event with the Canadian contingent placing in the top three of nearly all matches entered against 700 military shooters from around the world.

The release says shooting competitions give Canadian soldiers the opportunity to train and test their combat readiness, while also allowing the chance to share knowledge and best practices of small arms training with other nations.

National Defence Minister Jason Kenney says he's proud of Danylyshyn's exceptional performance and applauds her for being a role model for other soldiers and the international community.