NRA Women: Vera Koo Becoming a Warrior

In this video, Tips & Tactics: Vera Koo: Becoming a Warrior, the viewer is given Vera Koo’s insights into the mental aspects of competition. Introduced by the series’ host, Gabby Franco, Koo goes on to explain her journey from overcoming an initial fear of handguns, to eventually becoming a warrior and Bianchi Cup champion. Tips & Tactics was created by NRA Women, presented by Smith & Wesson and sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.

“If you constantly face your fears, you can become immune to them.” – Vera Koo

Vera Koo: 2014 Bianchi Cup Wrap Up

Here is an excerpt from Vera’s blog, which talks more about her idea of becoming a warrior in life, and competition.

I went to war this week.

Preparing for any major competition, athletic or otherwise, is like going to battle. You practice, drill and train for months. You ensure that your equipment is flawless, you create contingency plans for all potential aberrations and your logistics are exact. You eat, breathe, sleep and dream your goal. Then, you rise the next morning and work even harder.

This is the life of a warrior, whether the discipline is athletics, politics, business or academia.

My war this week was not with the other fine shooters competing at the NRA’s National Championship, the 2014 Bianchi Cup. On some level, my war was no longer even with the sport of shooting and the endless quest to shoot a perfect score. My war this week was within myself and with my own history.

In comparison to my standard barometer of excellence, this week was not my finest performance. However, I am as proud of this performance as nearly any other on my resume. Three hundred and eighty days ago, I was in a hospital just a few miles away. Well-meaning and talented doctors informed me that I might never walk again. I accepted their advice, but not their surrender. With hard work, discipline, a strong team and a regimented battle plan, I spent the last 12 months preparing for this week.

Continue reading this blog entry, here. Watch other videos on Vera’s YouTube channel, here.