USPSA Handgun Nationals – Getting to Know Your Top 8 – Jenny Chu, 6th Place Open & 8th Place Limited

WoUSPSA: Congratulations on Top 8 finishes in BOTH nationals, Jenny!  You have to be proud of such great performances especially among so many talented women.  Are you happy with your finishes?

Jenny: It’s a great feeling to place Top 8 among the talented ladies at both the Open and Limited Nationals.

WoUSPSA: What did you think of the stages at this year’s Nationals?  Did you have a favorite? Was this your first back to back shooting Open and Limited?  What do you think of the back-to-back format?

Jenny: This was my 3rd back-to-back Nationals.  Had so much fun!  The stages for both Open & Limited Nationals were deceptively simple.  Stages were challenging and tested accuracy close up with head shot only targets and at a distance with targets bordered by no-shoots.  Drinks On The House was my favorite stage, the course presented multiple options and I was able to executed my plan smoothly and hit the timing on the swinger.

WoUSPSA: Completing a successful plan like that whenever moving targets are involved is so rewarding.  How would you describe your performances in both matches and did you focus on one division or both in your training?

Jenny: My head was in the game for the Open match.  The Limited match was a bit of a roller coaster with a few hiccups.  I shoot Open division during local matches to prepare for Nationals.

WoUSPSA: Do you get nervous for the nationals and if so what do you do to help calm your nerves?

Jenny: I have a hard time sleeping the night before competing, even at a local match!  I clean my mags the morning of to calm my nerves.  Once I get to the range I like to chat with my squad mates and get out nervous energy before I shoot.  I love shooting with my shooting buddies from home, they help relax me.  We all give each other a hard time and poke fun at each other. Shooting with the Ladies would be a great learning experience!

WoUSPSA: Did you learn anything about yourself as a competitor?

Jenny: I’m learning to run the marathon instead of beating myself up over one stage or one penalty.

WoUSPSA: I like the way you put that!  If you weren’t a competitive shooter, what do you think you would be doing?

Jenny: I can’t imagine what I’d be doing if I weren’t shooting.  During the work week, I count down the days until the next match.

WoUSPSA: LOL. Well since you do enjoy it so much what kind of reactions have you had when you tell people that your hobby is competitive shooting?

Jenny: Responses have been positive and sometimes leads them to a visit to the range to try the sport. It’s a great way to get people into the shooting community.

WoUSPSA: It is!!! Was this your last major match of the year or do you still have more competitions on your schedule?

Jenny: Area 2 will be my last major match of the year.

WoUSPSA: Shoot GREAT!  With the match season rather lengthy, how do you typically unwind after all the matches have settled down?

Jenny: To unwind, I like to have a couple pajama Sunday’s where I sleep in and do absolutely nothing. Julie, Kippi and Beth – Thank you!  Appreciate all the hard work and all you do for the shooting community.

WoUSPSA: Pajama Sundays sound LOVELY!  And thank you for taking the time to interview with us.  Congratulations once again on your performances!