Lizi Kiladze may only be 24 years old, but she's already redefining the meaning of a champion in competitive shooting.
Hailing from Georgia, Lizi first picked up a pistol at a tender young age and is now making her mark on the international stage: winning medals, breaking stereotypes, mentoring young shooters, and changing the entire landscape of competitive shooting.
As she sets her sights on greater heights in competitive shooting, Kiladze's relentless drive, passion for excellence, and vision for the future will further transform the sport for younger generations.
From a Pistol to Podiums: Lizi's Early Journey in Shooting
At 11, Lizi discovered target shooting after exploring various sports with her father. Despite societal perceptions that shooting was a "boys' sport," Kiladze challenged stereotypes with joy and motivation.
In just a few months, Kiladze won her first tournament in Georgia, setting the stage for her dedication to competitive shooting and determination to succeed.
Aiming High: Kiladze's Rise to Global Fame
Lizi Kiladze went from being a little girl who trained with a pistol too big for her hands to a global athlete. Her age, size, or societal views didn't stop her from doing what she loved.
Kiladze won two more Georgian Championships by 12, gaining traction from enthusiasts and competitive shooting fans nationwide.
Kiladze entered the international competitive shooting scene in 2014 when she participated in the European Championship in Moscow. Despite surpassing the qualifications for the Youth Olympics, her young age made her ineligible.
Undeterred, Kiladze continued to train hard, securing a remarkable second place at the World Championship in Granada, Spain, later that year.
Shooting for Excellence: The Medals and Motivation
Kildaze's commitment to excel at competitive shooting drove her to hone her techniques and strategies. From studying shooting techniques through videos to diving into psychological literature to master her focus and emotions, she has been relentless in her pursuit of improvement.
With her dedication came impressive results:
- Kiladze finished third at the World Cup in Korea in 2018, solidifying her place in competitive shooting.
- She's consistently won medals at the European Championships as an elite shooter.
- Kiladze placed fourth at the 2022 World Cup in Baku, showcasing her competitive spirit and unwavering skills.
- Kiladze and her team shone in 2023, winning silver at the Grand Prix in Slovenia and gold at the World Cup in Croatia.
Lizi Kiladze's victories are more than just wins. Her achievements demonstrate her dedication to her craft, and she excels at it, which is a true testimony to her talent and love for competitive shooting.
Beyond the Target: Mentoring the Next Generation of Competitive Shooters
While Lizi Kiladze's shooting talent is undeniable, her contributions to competitive shooting extend beyond competition.
She admits that starting to shoot at 11 as a girl was unconventional, and her little hands can't handle the large firearm equipment for the sport.
Still, she didn't stop. Embracing Muhammad Ali's words—"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision." She looked for ways to help children handle firearms more comfortably, continuously innovating and refining approaches until she reached perfection.
Since then, Georgia has adopted her innovative techniques by young shooters who start training as early as 11 and 12 years old. Additionally, Kiladze helps her fellow young athletes develop their skills and prepare for their future in competitive shooting by sharing knowledge and mentoring them.
Her part in Georgia's Coaching Committee allows her to advocate for greater inclusion of girls in competitive sports. She offers free lessons and mentorship to break stereotypes and encourage participation.
Spreading the Shooting Spirit: Kiladze's Global Influence and Advocacy
Kiladze's impact on competitive shooting extends beyond her home country of Georgia. She's been traveling around the world to share her knowledge and techniques.
For example, Kiladze's recent trip to Turkey involved two weeks of intense training, which helped the athletes there improve.
Kiladze also referees various competitions in Europe and Asia, further expanding her influence in the competitive shooting community.
No Obstacles Too Big: Lizi's Discipline and Dedication
Aside from her shooting skills, Kiladze exemplifies discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
In spite of the pandemic, Kiladze didn't let obstacles stop her from training. To practice and maintain her skills, she made a makeshift shooting range at home.
Her innovative approach to training demonstrated her commitment to consistent practice, passion, and dedication to competitive shooting—qualities she instills in her young athletes.
The Future of Competitive Shooting: Lizi's Vision and Influence
Kalizde wants shooting as a sport to be more accessible, inclusive, and recognized worldwide. As an athlete and coach, she wants to inspire young shooters by breaking down gender barriers and promoting diversity.
She aims to foster talent as a member of the Georgia Coaching Committee and share her knowledge to the global scene, enhancing athlete performance starting from Turkey.
In the future, Kiladze plans to expand her coaching efforts in the United States. By introducing innovative training programs, she aims to make the sport a respected way of building character and self-development.
Through her influence, Kiladze aims to make a positive impact on the competitive shooting community.
Targeting New Horizons: Lizi Kiladze's Ambition and Vision for the United States
Kiladze's future is as bright as her past achievements. Seeking a talent visa to the United States, she plans on working in the competitive shooting community while furthering her career.
Her goal isn't just to shoot in the U.S.; she wants to inspire emerging and established shooters with her passion, unique techniques, and international experience during her time there.
With her expertise and innovative training methods, Kiladze hopes to inspire young talent and advocate for inclusivity. She's also hoping to get more women into shooting.
She plans to expand her influence, work with diverse athletes, and bring new perspectives to training, discipline, and mental preparedness in the United States.
Lizi Kiladze is a person of passion and resilience who breaks down barriers. With her vision of empowering others and having a lasting impact on shooting, she's one to watch out for.
Kiladze's dedication to competitive shooting and commitment to mentoring the next generation make her ready to make a name for herself in the U.S. and beyond.
About the Author
Patricia Bates is a Seattle-based sports writer specializing in women's sports and emerging athletes. Her passion is telling the stories of female athletes and advocating for equal representation in sports media. Besides reporting, Patricia likes exploring the Pacific Northwest and supporting local teams.
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