Below is a small collection of recent posts published across the internet, featuring the tremendous Vera Koo. The publication of her memoir and website serve as the topic for one of these writeups. More recently, Vera’s time at SHOT Show in Las Vegas, where she hosted the “Women of the Gun” event, was also covered by a few different outlets. Keep reading to catch up on these posts, all featuring Vera Koo.

“Women of the Gun” 2025 Features Vera Koo as Speaker

The “Women of the Gun” 2025 event featured Vera Koo as its speaker during this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This post was originally published by Project ChildSafe.

About “Women of the Gun” 2025 Speaker Vera Koo

Vera Koo is a first-generation Chinese American woman. She is a wife and mother, author, entrepreneur and retired professional athlete. Vera made her home on the West Coast but is an avid traveler, food lover and patron of the arts. Her first book and memoir, The Most Unlikely Champion, recounts the stories of her life with tremendous introspection and emotional clarity. Her second book, published on the heels of the first one, is titled Wisdom and Things: Essays from an Unlikely Champion. It is based on her columns found regularly in the online publication Women’s Outdoor News, along with more life experiences. This new book, another memoir, features content in a wide variety of categories, covering everything from travel to Vera’s faith in God.

Koo was born in Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China, and spent her childhood in Hong Kong. She immigrated with her family to the United States she was 12 years old. Vera and her husband, Carlos, own a successful business in the San Francisco Bay area, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to six grandchildren.

Read this post in its entirety, here.

Women Of The Gun Reception At SHOT Show 2025

his article, written by Ashley McGee, was originally published by Shooting Industry Magazine. It covers the sixth annual “Women of the Gun Event” during The NSSF’s SHOT Show, and its keynote speaker Vera Koo.

For the sixth year in a row, the Women of the Gun reception at SHOT Show provided an inspiring and empowering space to celebrate the contributions of women in the firearms industry and shooting sports. Hosted by the NSSFProject ChildSafe and Women’s Outdoor News (WON), this highly anticipated event took place Jan. 22, 2025, in the Palazzo Ballrooms of The Venetian in Las Vegas.

Thanks to the support of sponsors Hornady, Davidson’s, Ruger, Benelli, Bestie Defense and Comm Gear Supply, attendees gathered to network, share experiences and reaffirm their commitment to responsible firearm ownership.

This year’s reception was headlined by keynote speaker Vera Koo, an eight-time Bianchi Cup Women’s Division Champion and a trailblazer in the competitive shooting world. Koo’s speech captivated the audience as she shared her remarkable journey of resilience, perseverance and personal growth through shooting sports.

The Journey Of A Champion

Koo’s story is one of determination in the face of adversity. A first-generation Chinese American, Koo immigrated with her family to the United States when she was 12. She entered the world of competitive shooting later in life, at the age of 47, proving age is no barrier to success.

Encouraged by her firearms instructor to push beyond her comfort zone, she ignored discouragement and pursued competitive bullseye shooting, where she quickly rose to prominence.

In her speech, Koo recounted her early days of competition, where she faced skepticism — even from fellow women. Despite being told she should avoid the “cutthroat” nature of competitive shooting, she pressed on. Within eight months, she had claimed the top honor at her club and continued climbing the ranks, moving from bullseye to steel challenge, IPSC, and ultimately the prestigious Bianchi Cup.

Her introduction to the Bianchi Cup came through a chance conversation at an IPSC National Championship, where a fellow shooter recognized her potential. At 50 years old, she competed in her first Bianchi Cup, feeling alone and intimidated. Despite her nerves, she delivered a perfect score in the first event, setting the stage for years of success in one of the most challenging disciplines in the shooting world.

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WOTG25: Vera Koo, Barbara Baird and Michelle Cerino

Continue reading this post, featuring Vera Koo, by clicking this link.

Most Unlikely Champion? Vera Koo’s New Book & Website

This post about Vera Koo was written by Wendy LaFever and published by NRA Women.

How one woman went from child immigrant to shooting champion, author and ambassador for the shooting sports.

vera-koo-website
vera-koo-website

Fifteen years ago, my first introduction to the world of NRA Women began with my first assignment as a baby editor: Proofread an article describing the life and accomplishments of champion shooter (and NRA Women contributor) Vera Koo. At that moment, I realized that I had found two very important things: the career I wished to pursue for the rest of my life, and a role model.

Continue reading the original post, here.

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