By Hayley Wildes
Twenty-year-old Berwick local, Sergei Evglevski’s maiden Commonwealth Games was extra memorable for many reasons.
On top of competing at a home Commonwealth Games and with his Mum, Lalita Yauhleuskaya also representing the green and gold, Evglevski claimed a silver medal in dramatic fashion.
The men’s 25 metre rapid fire pistol shooting event went right down to the wire.
Evglevski made it through to the final after qualifying with the third highest score through two qualification stages.
His score of 28 in the final set a new Commonwealth Games record, but unfortunately his rival, Anish Bhanwala also set a new record with an unbelievable score of 30.
“Obviously he shot really well and it was a bit of a struggle trying to keep up with him, but I was happy with how I shot and I just had to push through it.” Evglevski said of the final.
The experience of representing Australia on home soil was an incredible one and Evglevski talked about the support from the fans.
“It was amazing and it was definitely a lot more supportive.” He said. “You could sense that the fans were there to actually come and see you, instead of supporting other countries.”
“[The opening ceremony] was insane. Hearing all the cheers, hearing all the fans out there cheering you on and walking out with so many athletes was pretty crazy.”
In another fantastic chapter of the family’s shooting story, Sergei, after sharing moments on the podium with his Mum Lalita in his younger years, was able to have his own podium moment on the Gold Coast.
“I used to follow her to the podium at all the shooting competitions when I was there.” Evglevski said. “Having her coach me when I was really young and for her to be coaching and training with me now is what has pushed me through a lot as well.”
Coming away with a silver medal at his first Commonwealth Games – this was also his first major senior competition – has given Evglevski plenty of confidence that he can match it with the best in the world.
“100% – it definitely gives me more confidence to be able to compete at the same level as those guys.” He said.
“After the Commonwealth Games I went to Korea for a World Cup and I was up there with some of the best shooters.”
