Julie Golob Masters Shooting, Tweeting and Top Shot
NRAblog 05.17.12
Julie Golob is known for shooting. After winning the USPSA Ladies Single Stack National Championship two weeks ago in Illinois, she now holds more than 20 National titles along with 7 World championships. Results like that don’t come easy — especially when you consider her recent success in the 3-gun arena. To achieve those heights, you have to commit to the training.
“The shooting season kicks off for me with the USPSA Single Stack Nationals and of course Bianchi — one of the most intense matches to train for, so I’ve definitely put a lot of time into that to make sure everything is ready to go.”
Getting ready to go is more difficult these days. In recent years, Julie has ventured into the world of 3-Gun competitions. While she can always count on her pistol shooting, getting back to the days of rifle and shotgun training can be challenging.
“I just train for the event – that’s how it goes,” Golob explained. “You can’t focus on one thing all year long. It’s dynamic and always changing. Sometimes you feel as if you’re cramming for a match. You study everything you need to do, focus on all the skills and hope there are no surprises.”
Taking on the world of Social Media
With thousands of followers, fans and subscribers, Golob has taken to the social media world like a fish to water. With pages and profiles on everything from Twitter to Pinterest to Google + and Vimeo, it’s hard for anyone engaged in today’s new media to miss a whisper of the Six Division USPSA National Champion.
“My marketing background means I’m always looking for way to spread the word about shooting and shooting sports,” she started. “Having a social media presence means I have access to anybody who might have an interest in starting.”
Having a social media presence is one thing. Anyone can get put up a Facebook or YouTube page. The trick is to make your content compelling enough for people to keep coming back. That is something that Golob has mastered.
“Getting my name and message out there seems like a no brainer. I’m so surprised more people don’t do it. That’s the way we connect. And what a wonderful way for gun owners to connect and go forward so we’re all unified by the world wide web.”
Getting a spot on Top Shot
Golob has always been a trend setter. From her success as a female shooter to her work in the social media world, she’s always been one of the first to find a way to the top, a quality embraced by the producers of Top Shot. They wanted Julie. Not as a contestant, but as an expert for the show.
“I’m a huge Top Shot fan,” said Golob. “I’ve watched it every week since the very first season.”
After collecting contestants and assembling challenges, there was a need for experts to oversee the practice rounds in each episode. Who better to fill that role during the episode 4’s Smith & Wesson M&P 40 elimination challenge?
“The hardest part about my time on the set was seeing a challenge and not shooting it,” she laughed. “That was literally insane.”
Firing the final shot
The MidwayUSA/NRA Bianchi Cup kicks off next week in Columbia, Missouri. There Golob will join the likes of Miculek, Duff, Vadasz and Koenig. Win or lose, she’ll then compete in the Revolver Championships, Industry Master, Rocky Mountain/3-Gun Nation Multi-Gun, etc … The schedule never seems to end.
But that’s the life of a competitive shooter. Unlike most professional athletes, shooters can continue racking up wins far beyond their 20s. Jerry Miculek, a man of 57, continues to be one of the more feared competitors out there. It’s about training, conditioning and a little bit of luck.
How long Julie continues on the circuit is anyone’s guess. There’s the pull of family, future literary obligations and the constant requests from Social Media entities. In time, one could prove too enticing to pass up. But as far the little girl who learned the art of shooting at her father’s side is concerned, it won’t be anytime soon.
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