Vera Koo: On to Shotgun Shooting

Aug 29, 2025, 09:26 PM

Vera Koo: On to Shotgun Shooting

When Vera Koo retired from competitive shooting, she did not just sit back in a recliner and begin knitting while watching game shows. Instead, at more than 70-years old, she decided to try something completely new. Vera decided to take up a new sport and made the switch from pistol competitions to the world of shotgun shooting. And as usual, she went all in!

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Vera Koo The Most Unlikely Champion is the story of a petite Chinese-American woman, wife, mother and grandmother and her run to the top as a world title holder in the sport of Action Pistol Shooting.

Shotgun Shooting

Making the Transition from Pistols to Shotguns

In order to stave off physical and mental deterioration, Vera made the decision at 73-years old to learn something new.

“Mostly, though, my goal is to keep learning and to keep challenging myself. When left unchallenged, untested and with no task at hand, I am not the top version of myself. Pushing the envelope and welcoming new challenges brings out the best in me, and it keeps my mind and body sharp at a time when I must focus on that.”

As always, Vera is an inspiration, especially those moving from one stage in life to another. In “Making the Transition from Pistols to Shotguns,” she shares why she continues to move forward.

Vera Koo: Enjoying the Grind During the Bonus Phase

As Vera ventures through her “bonus phase” in life, she shares what she is up to, including revisiting the pistol range and her decision to begin competing in sporting clays.

“I always tell people that I’ll just do something for two years. That’s how I started shotgun shooting. I’d do it for a couple of years. That’s not realistic, though. My experience with sports tells me that it takes about five years to get your foot in the door of a new discipline. If you want to become good, it takes at least 10 years of focused training and competition.”

Now, at 77 years young, Vera recounts how goals have motivated her throughout life and how she welcomes pressure. In her article, “Enjoying the Grind During the Bonus Phase,” she proves that it’s never too late to begin something new and to welcome any bonus phase in life. Whether you are a recent empty nester, preparing to retire or experiencing a new phase in your life, these articles will undoubtedly inspire you to keep moving forward.

Here are more collections of Vera’s past writings:

Love of the Arts

Openness to New Experiences

Family Vacations

On Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking

Maintaining a Strong Mind

Maintaining a Strong Body

Competition Tips Roundup

Advice from Ancient Chinese Culture

Travel Highlights from Around the Globe

Video Highlights of Vera’s Shooting Career

Find all Vera’s posts here.