Donna Negus (ACTFBTR) has become the first NRAA female member to win a King’s Prize in Australia. NRAA would like to hugely congratulate Donna on her fabulous results at the VRA King’s Prize competition held at the Wellsford Rifle Range (Bendigo) in April this year.
NRAA Asked Donna to tell us how it happened……….
Donna travelled to Victoria to complete in the 2023 Victorian King’s Prize meeting with husband Steve. They were looking forward to just getting away for a few days, and also taking in a little bit of shooting. Donna really stamped her mark on the King’s when she scored a 50.10 at 900y on the final Range of the second day. Starting the 3rd day with 50.5 kept Donna in the lead ahead of going into the final range at 1000 yards. Shooting 2nd last and shooting alongside husband Steve, Donna scored 48.6 to win the King’s Prize with a score of 398.54, well clear of 2nd place by a commanding 2 points.
Donna started shooting in the mid 80’s
Donna was introduced to the sport by her father Barry Schwebel and also followed in her sister Barbara’s footsteps in many State and National teams. Donna’s brother Kevin has also represented NSW in F Class. Donna’s mother Joan, although not a shooter, is one of her biggest supporters. This truly is a family sport especially in the Schwebel family.
Donna won her first Queen’s Prize at the ACT Championships in 2019, becoming the first female to win a Queen’s Prize on the Canberra rifle range. Donna competed in South Africa in 2017 and won in a shoot off, the Scottish Sword trophy, becoming the first female to win this.
Donna was a member of the winning Australian Palma team that competed at the 2019 World LR Championships in NZ, having the highest score of any first down shooters.
Women in our sport
The one thing Donna loves about this sport is the fact that everyone is equal on the mound, male and female of all ages competing against each other. There is no other sport that allows such an equal mix of genders and in Donna’s words – “she does like beating the blokes!”
By winning the King’s Prize in Bendigo, NRAA understand that Donna is the first woman to win a King’s Prize in Australia. And note – this could also be the first time a wife and husband team has come 1st and 2nd in a King’s or Queen’s Prize!
Note: Donna’s husband Steve, just happens to be NRAA’s current Chair!
