Precision in Action – Team Apex Heads to the 2025 IPRF Rimfire World Championship
Countdown to the World Stage
The countdown is on for the 2025 IPRF World Championships, taking place August 17–24th at the West Midlands Shooting Ground in Market Drayton, England.
We’re proud to have 12 members of Team Apex representing four countries, each bringing their skill, dedication, and passion to the world stage. Ahead of the competition, we touched base with some of our athletes to hear about their journeys to this level and what they’re most looking forward to as the matches get underway.
Kolan Gilmour, representing Team Canada’s Open Division, described the qualification process as “challenging but incredibly rewarding. It required a ton of commitment to attend as many qualifying matches as possible and to be prepared to shoot my best. It also gave me a chance to build friendships with others striving toward the same goal, pushing each other to work harder.”
For Gilmour and many others, the road to Worlds was about more than just scores on a leaderboard—it was a test of discipline, endurance, and the ability to balance personal life with the demands of high-level competition. The countless hours behind the rifle, long travel days, and pressure of performing at qualifiers all built a foundation of resilience. That journey has created not only stronger shooters, but also a sense of camaraderie and respect among teammates who understand what it took to get there.
Ultimately, that shared grind ensures that when they step onto the world stage, they are as mentally prepared as they are technically sharp.
“I really enjoyed the qualifying matches because I was learning so much each time. Traveling with Sam, a fellow Team Apex and Great Britain Open competitor, made it even better—we made memories and shared the experience. I didn’t expect to qualify as I was new to the sport, but here I am, about to represent Team GB!”
Beyond Qualification - The Real Work Begins
Qualifying, however, was only the beginning. Once athletes knew they’d represent their countries, the real work began—gear adjustments, travel, time away from friends and family, and a massive commitment to the sport they love.
For David Foster of Team Australia Open, limited access to ranges added another layer of difficulty. “The lack of space for live-fire practice has been tough, especially heading into competition against the best in the world.”
“It was a huge challenge finding the right ammunition. I spent the entire season testing ammo and rifles, trying to find the best fit."
Putting in the Work - From the Firing Line to the Mental Game
Mental preparation has been just as critical. Gilmour notes, “Training fundamentals and shooting mechanics are important, but managing mindset and maintaining focus—both individually and as a team—is absolutely crucial.”
When it comes to training regimens, many athletes have focused on consistency rather than drastic changes. A steady routine builds confidence, and walking onto the firing line knowing you’ve done the same work day in and day out creates a sense of calm under pressure.
“I haven’t trained differently for Worlds,” says Wright. “I want to maintain my routine and stay consistent. We all have good and bad days, so keeping a positive attitude is key.” That consistency not only sharpens skills but also reinforces the mental resilience needed when matches stretch across long days and the smallest lapse in focus can mean lost points.
Others have honed specific skills with intentional focus. Brad O’Grady, representing Canada’s Open Team, explains, “I’ve been practicing both dialing and holding over for different distances, along with dot drills to monitor group size during positional practice.”
Fine-tuning these details allows athletes to react instinctively in competition, ensuring that critical decisions can be made quickly and confidently when the clock is ticking.
Trusting the Gear
“Representing Team Apex at Worlds is a huge honor. I feel confident because I have a scope I know I can rely on.”
Every member of Team Apex will head to England relying on the optics they’ve trusted all season, the Apex Rival or Rival X 4-32×56 riflescopes paired with Summit ED 12×50 PRO or Summit ED2 15×56 PRO binoculars.
In competition at the highest level, there’s no room for doubt—athletes need optics that track true, hold zero, and deliver razor-sharp resolution in every light condition.
When distances stretch out, wind calls become tricky, and time is short, the ability to trust your optics is what separates good performances from great ones. That’s why Apex athletes are stepping onto the world stage equipped with optics built to withstand pressure, deliver consistent results, and help them perform at their absolute peak.
Ready for the World Stage
As travel bags are packed and final preparations made, we couldn’t be prouder of every member of Team Apex representing their countries in England. The dedication, sportsmanship, and passion these athletes have shown on the road to Worlds is truly inspiring.
From all of us at Apex Optics: shoot straight, stay focused, and enjoy every moment on the world stage.
