Life Lessons from Target Shooter Vera Koo

Vera Koo: From Dolls to Guns — My Journey to the Competition Shooting Sports

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published January 6, 2015 I did not grow up playing with toy guns. I grew up playing with dolls. In fact, as a child, I never had any interest in guns. I was raised in a very traditional Chinese family that valued women as nurturers...

Shooting Sports USA: Retiring from Shooting Sports

In this article, posted at the NRA's "Shooting Sports USA," Vera Koo explains why it became time to retire from shooting sports. In fact, she pinpoints the exact moment she decided that her days of running race guns needed to end. I was precise in everything I did...

The Quest to Dig Up the Elusive Geoduck Clam

This is a guest post written by Vera Koo’s daughter, Shane, and describes her quest to find the elusive geoduck clam while on a camping trip.

Vera Koo: When Your Friend Won’t Listen to Good Advice

We all have encountered a friend or loved one going down a path we wish we could correct. Our responsibility is to try to steer that person in the right direction with good advice. But what should you do if your friend will not listen to you? I experienced this during...

Coronavirus Pandemic: How it Changed My Lifestyle

Vera Koo shares how the Coronavirus Pandemic changed her and her family’s lifestyles by slowing things down and exploring new interests.

Thankful for Those Who Helped Along the Way

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published March 16, 2020 When I consider my life and how fortunate I have been, it is almost as if I am in a play with a perfectly written script. My story has had countless hurdles and challenging times, but just when it seems as if...

A Peek Into the Life of Vera Koo and the Book She is Writing

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published September 20, 2016 I met Vera Koo a few years ago and have been intrigued with her ever since. It’s no secret that I think she is an absolutely amazing person. As I read her recent column, my respect for her grew all the...

Peace, Harmony and Forgiveness: ‘Shing Ping’ Matters

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published June 7, 2017 When I compete in sport shooting, I try to achieve complete peace in my mind. I work hard to remain focused and keep stray thoughts from creeping in. Some shooters like to socialize at the range, but that is...

Vera Koo and the Importance of a Random Act of Kindness

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published October 19, 2016 One of my daughters once asked me what I thought the most important virtue was that she should try to instill in her children. I answered: kindness. Certainly, kindness is not the only virtue for which to...

Vera Koo: Why the Bianchi Cup Shooting Tournament is My Favorite

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published February 22, 2016 I have been told that I am the type of person who will take a bite of something and hold onto it and not let go until I have it mastered. I gravitate toward activities and tasks that take a long time to...

Vera Koo Prepares for an Adventure in India

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published February 10, 2015 I have a philosophy about opportunities. Opportunities are fleeting. When one arises, you should be careful not to miss it. You might never feel like the time is perfect to act on an opportunity....

What I Learned from Glenda Jackson and ‘King Lear’

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published August 15, 2019 In this story about a recent trip to see plays in New York City, columnist Vera Koo describes a life-changing event that occurred because she saw Glenda Jackson in “King Lear.” CliffNotes saved me on book...

Vera Koo: How the Shooting Sports Saved My Life

More than 20 years ago, I found myself at the lowest point of my life. I had experienced a terrible personal crisis. Suffice it to say that this crisis was an external force that shattered my core values. I had built my beliefs based on certain principles, and this...

Sightseeing in Alaska: Some Rules are Meant to be Broken

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published July 10, 2019 I do not usually like to mix business with pleasure. I traveled across the globe for competitions during my 15-year professional shooting career, and I almost never went sightseeing or exploring during my...

Vera Koo on the NRA World Action Pistol Championship & Bianchi Cup

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published May 8, 2018 Two years ago when I competed at the World Action Pistol Championship in New Zealand, I figured it might be my final time participating on the world stage. Turns out, I am getting another opportunity. I am one...

Twenty-Five Yards: Set Small Goals – For Shooting and Life

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published March 20, 2017 Twenty-five yards isn’t far to travel – unless, of course, your leg is broken. That’s the situation I found myself in during an April day in 2013 at the gun range near Columbia, Mo. I was training for the...

Vera Koo and Her Zombie Apocalypse Experience

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published April 7, 2020 Life with Carlos is an adventure, so much so that I often think I have lived 2 or 3 lifetimes compressed into one. Throughout our 50 years of marriage, we have not had a dull moment. We raised a family. We...

Retro WON: Why You Must Train in Inclement Weather for Shooting Competitions

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published February 16, 2017 Champion competition shooter Vera Koo continues her series on practical and common sense advice for competition shooters and training regimens. In this installment, she lays out why you must train in...

Vera Koo: Lightning Strikes Twice

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published April 22, 2015 Vera Koo knows that lightning can strike twice, especially when it comes to accidents when you’re active. Read about her recent skiing accident and how she, once again, prepares to recover so that she can...

How to Prepare for a Shooting Competition

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published September 24, 2014 Shooting, like any sport, requires practice, persistence and dedication. In competition, it’s preparation that can help you win, or at least provide comfort and confidence in your abilities. Ask any...

Salmon Fishing in British Columbia

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published November 3, 2017 This guest post comes from Carlos Koo, who is married to the lovely Vera Koo, a formidable competition shooter. When Vera is off competing, Carlos can often be found on an adventure trip. For this trip, he...

Bette Midler, Glenn Close and Vera Koo: An Opportunity Not Missed

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published August 1, 2017 I always advise people to never pass up an opportunity that excites them, even if the timing seems inopportune. Opportunities are fleeting. You never know when another window will open if you miss the first....

Camping on Moutcha Bay

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published October 17, 2018 I watched my youngest granddaughter transform from a baby to a toddler. I experienced the high tea of a lifetime. And, most importantly, I enjoyed quality family time that included many experiences,...

Shooting and the ‘Ming’ Thing

By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published December 3, 2014 Vera Koo explains the concept of the ming thing in relation to shooting. Have you ever seen “Madama Butterfly?” It is Puccini’s hauntingly beautiful opera that illuminates a world of love, loss and tragedy...

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