It is even more impressive to have done it twice by the time you are 18.
Jack Simpson has done just that, finishing as the top-ranked individual in the open grade at the Bodkin Shield clay target shooting meet in 2014 and 2016.
The Waitaki Boys' High School year 13 pupil scored 178 out of a possible 180 at the three-venue competition in Central Otago last month and was awarded the ''high gun'' in Alexandra after scoring a perfect 60.
In the team event, Simpson was part of the Waimate-Oamaru team that finished second overall, with a score of 87 out of 90.
The Bodkin Shield is held over three days in Alexandra, Wanaka and Moa Creek.
It is a prestigious event attracting many of the South Island's top shooters, and is seen as the Ranfurly Shield of South Island clay target shooting, having a history dating back 80 years. This year's event drew 180 entrants.
Simpson's result was made all the more impressive by the fact that he only took the sport up four years ago. He got into it because it looked fun, something he confirmed after trying it out.
''The people that are involved in it,'' he said when asked what he enjoyed the most about shooting.
''You get to go out and have fun and shoot some stuff.''
With a shooting ground at school perhaps it is not a surprise he has taken to the sport.
''We have a shooting ground at school, so we just go out there and shoot every Wednesday night.''
Aside from the Bodkin Shield there has been a lack of big events to compete in lately. However, with South Island and national Championships coming up, Simpson is looking forward to competing for his school.
