Morehill resident hopes to shoot his way to world champs

Marks started shooting competitively in 2016.

February 5, 2022

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Lionel Marks will compete in the standard class where they use the 10mm pistol for their competitions.

Ranked as the fourth-best shooter in South Africa, Lionel Marks hopes his speed and accuracy will earn him a spot in the team to represent South Africa at the World Shooting Championships in Thailand in November.

Marks will face tough competition at the National Handgun Championships on February 12 and 13 in Polokwane to select a team to represent the country at the showpiece in Pattaya, Thailand.

“The World Shooting Championships is the best competition for shooting in the world. Only the best shooters will get to represent South Africa. I’m now in the A-class and hope to do well enough to go to Thailand,” said Marks.

Not a stranger to stiff competition, Marks, who competes in the standard division, was placed first in the B-class at the Africa Handgun Level Four showpiece held in Stilfontein, North West, last year.

Also last year, he was placed third in his division at the third round Handgun National Championships Level Three in North West in December.

“I grew up with my father who was a detective in the SAPS. He later started a security company. So I have always been exposed to firearms.

“After matriculating, I decided to work with my father in his company. Due to our work requirements of ongoing firearm training, I was fortunate to meet sport shooters at the shooting range.

“Since then my passion for the sport grew. I now participate in the International Practical Shooting Confederation.”

Marks started shooting competitively in 2016. He started out as a member of the Central Gauteng Practical Shooting Association. He then went to join the Vaal Triangle Practical Shooting Association, where he earned his provincial colours last year. He is with the North West Practical Shooting Association.

Marks emphasised that to do well in the sport, you have to practice every day.

“Speed and accuracy are crucial for this sport. You have to practice every day because to accumulate points, they take the time you spend to shoot and combine that with your score. You then get your heat factor. So the higher your heat factor, the higher your score.”

In 2017, he was one of the three competitors representing South Africa at the Euro Extreme Open in Czech Republic.

“That was my first international competition and I had a 65% shooting average. It was a learning experience for me because I got to shoot with the best shooters in the world.”