A Grade 9 learner at Hoërskool Garsfontein is proudly celebrating her success after winning air pistol medals at the March 2026 Central Gauteng Provincial Championships held in Pretoria recently.
Abigail Nabal shared the moment with her younger sibling, Caitlyn, a Grade 7 learner at Laerskool Garsfontein, who also earned a medal in her category.
The medals were presented by Bennie van den Heever, representing the South African Shooting Sport Confederation, during a ceremony attended by Morne de Beer, CGPA (Central Gauteng Pistol Association) provincial president, and Shafaath Gilbert, president of SAPF (SA Pistol Federation).
Their father, Quintez, stood proudly on stage alongside his daughters, supporting the young athletes.
For Abigail, the competition was both exciting and demanding.
“It was a great honour for me to compete at the CGPA provincial championships. I looked forward to it a lot, so I was very excited and didn’t sleep much the night before. So Saturday morning, I was tired, but luckily I could stay focused and give it my best,” she said.
Her dedication paid off with a standout performance.
“I’m very glad that I managed to shoot so well. I shot a new personal best for me, so that’s great,” she added.
Abigail’s journey into shooting began at the age of 11, when she was introduced to the sport by a family friend, Willem Bonthuyzen. He is now sadly deceased, but still has a big influence on the girls, who also got their father involved.
She initially started in .22 rifle shooting, alongside her father, before discovering her passion for air pistol shooting.
Her interest deepened while supporting her older sister, Kayleigh, who was competing in 10m air rifle shooting at Hoërskool Garsfontein.
“That’s where I saw air pistols for the first time. It fascinated me more than the air rifles,” she said.
Abigail also draws inspiration from Olympic athlete Yusuf Dikeç.
“I loved how calm and focused he was. He didn’t have all the ‘weird’ gear other athletes were using. He just walked up to the line and did his thing. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an air pistol shooter,” she said.
Her long-term dream is to represent the country at the Olympic Games.
“My biggest dream is to get my Protea colours and represent South Africa at the Olympic Games. Hopefully, my sisters can join me. Can you imagine all four of us in green jackets at the Olympics?” she said.
Shooting is truly a family affair for the Nabals. Abigail and Caitlyn compete in air pistol under CGPA and SAPF, while their sisters Kayleigh and Phoebe compete in air rifle under SAARA (South African Air Rifle Federation).
“We are very competitive against each other, but we support each other 100%,” she said.
Balancing school and sport remains a challenge.
“I practise twice a week after school, with extra lessons as well. My dad is quite strict when it comes to schoolwork; academics come first. It’s difficult sometimes, but with my parents and my older sister supporting me, I manage to fit it all in,” she said.
Like many athletes in less mainstream sports, Abigail also faces financial and recognition challenges.
“Sponsors in our sport are not very big. There are equipment upgrades, competition entries, pellets and so on. With me and my three sisters all shooting, it’s really heavy on my dad. And because it’s not a well-known sport, recognition and support are not always there, but I have people like Morne de Beer, Corne Naude, Ebrahim Allie and others who have been awesome. It can feel tough and even a bit lonely,” she explained.
Despite these challenges, her support system remains strong, especially her father, who also coaches her.
“He has supported me the whole way, encouraged me when others said I wasn’t good enough. He’s always been there for me, always making a plan. My mom is also very supportive, even if she doesn’t fully understand the sport,” she said with a laugh.
Sharing the experience with her younger sister, Caitlyn, has made the journey even more special.
“It’s great. It was nice to have her shoot next to me and also win a medal. Caitlyn and Phoebe are twins, so having at least one sister shooting pistol with me is special,” she said.
Abigail has now been selected to represent SPFA Pistol Federation Nationals, an achievement she describes as both exciting and motivating.
“I’m preparing by doing my 60-shot practices twice a week, some light weight training to strengthen my arms and shoulders, and I also draw to calm my mind. Art is my happy place,” she said.
Her goals for the competition are ambitious but grounded.
“I would like to at least win a medal, maybe more. I want to improve my personal best again and do well for my province and myself. It’s my first nationals, so I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m just going to enjoy it and do my best,” she said.
She encouraged other young people to consider taking up the sport.
“Take the leap. It’s a very demanding sport, both physically and mentally, but the rewards are unbelievable. Believe in yourself, set goals and never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough.”
SAPF Nationals will take place from April 27 until May 2, at the Eeufees shooting range in Pretoria.
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