I met Vera Koo several years ago at a Bianchi Cup match in Columbia, Missouri. I’m thinking it might have been about 15 years ago, when she was at the height of her shooting career. Indeed, Vera is the only woman to capture the prestigious Bianchi Cup championship in...
Inspiration
Sharing a Love of Rock Climbing with My Daughter
Shane Koo tells us how her daughter, Mia, has become interested in her mother’s passion: rock climbing. Shane believes it is a parent’s goal to be surpassed by her children, in all aspects of life.
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...
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...
Retro WON: Climbing Your Personal ‘Mt. Everest’
By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published May 17, 2018 People often wonder why I am still participating in the shooting sport. I will turn 70 later this year, and my performance in recent years has left something to be desired. However, I am not ready to walk away....
Vera Koo’s First Column in a Six-Part Series Inspired by the Writings in her Memoir
By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published February 7, 2017 Some people only find enjoyment in hobbies they can share with others, but I have never found this to be the case with shooting. Since I began sport shooting in my 40s, I have found it to be a rewarding...
Love at First Shot: Vera Koo, the Shooting Sports and Mentoring
By Vera Koo, Women's Outdoor News, Published July 31, 2019 When NRA Women asked me to appear on an episode of the online television show “Love at First Shot,” I agreed to do it because I thought it was a chance to give back to the shooting sports. In particular, it...