McIntosh sisters set to face each other at Glasgow 2014.
Seonaid McIntosh takes the view that sisters are doing it for themselves.
The 17-year-old is hoping she’s the one in her family who will have the golden shot at next month’s Commonwealth Games. But to finish first in the Small Bore Rifle event will mean beating older sister, Jen.
That won’t be easy because McIntosh the elder won two golds and a bronze at the last Games in Delhi. Both girls come from good stock.
Their mum, Shirley, was also an internationalist shooter who competed at the Commonwealth Games, winning a gold, a silver and two bronze medals.
And their dad, Donald, just happens to be the Team Leader for the Scotland shooting team for next month’s showpiece.
Despite that background, Seonaid admits she stayed away from shooting until she was inspired by her sister’s success in Scottish colours.
“When I was younger, I didn’t want to do it at all because shooting was Jen’s thing,” says Seonaid.
“Then she went to the Commonwealth Games and did really well. At that point, I thought I might have a go. I’d shot before, having first picked up a gun at the age of nine. But I didn’t have any desire to compete professionally like my sister.
“Then I started the air rifle 18 months ago, and thought I might have a talent for it. I’ve never actually defeated my sister yet! But I’m setting my sights high and hope to beat her on the way up.
“We used to play tennis and I would always try to beat her at that. In fact, I think I’ve tried to beat her at everything!
“I would like to eventually surpass Jen’s total of medals, but that won’t be easy because some of the events she took part in are no longer in the Games.”
It sounds like the girls’ dad had his work cut out and good preparation for next month managing to keep things calm at home when his daughters were growing up.
“We tend to get on each other’s nerves and argue a bit, but Jen is always there to give me advice when I need it,” Seonaid continues.
“If I beat her in the Glasgow Games, it will be difficult afterwards, but I reckon she’d be happy for me.
“Jen said the other day that she’d like us to be the like the Brownlee brothers, and doesn’t really care which colour of medal we get. I think I’m more competitive against her because she’s six years older!”
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