Tailyn Lincow, a sharpshooter from Knysna, is already making a name for herself in the competitive shooting world. Recently crowned the South African Champion in Standard Ladies, Tailyn’s impressive achievements include winning medals at the IPSC Shotgun Nationals, with her sights now set on representing South Africa at the 2025 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Greece. In our interview, Tailyn opened up about her journey from a young enthusiast to a champion and shared her thoughts on how the Women Who Train (WWT) programme will encourage more women to explore the world of firearm training and instruction.
A Journey that Started with Family
Tailyn’s journey in the firearms world didn’t start with a competitive drive but with a simple desire to bond with her father, Julian Lincow, a well-respected shooter in his own right. “When I started shooting, I didn’t do it because I was passionate, I did it because it was something I could share with my dad,” she shares. “It was an environment where we could bond, and that’s how our relationship grew.”
From the age of six, Tailyn joined her dad at the shooting range, where she began to develop an early understanding of firearm safety and handling. “My dad would show me the basic handling of firearms and teach me the most important rules when handling them. He showed me how to shoot, and I was hooked,” she recalls.
It wasn’t until Tailyn saw her dad’s green blazer – his South African Shotgun team jacket – that she realised her own ambitions. “When I saw my dad’s green blazer, I knew that’s what I wanted one day.”
Through the mentorship of her father and others in the shooting community, Tailyn was encouraged to take her passion to new heights. “My other mentor, Andy Fuller – ITA Counsellor & Springbok Shooter – taught me, ‘The firearm doesn’t control you, you control the firearm.’ This shifted my perspective on firearms and helped me see them as tools that bring confidence,” Tailyn explains.
Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Others
Tailyn’s dedication to her craft has resulted in significant achievements. She recalls three moments that stand out in her career. “The first one was last year when I competed in the 2024 Swedish Championship and placed 3rd in the Ladies Standard division. I trained with top Swedish Shotgun shooters, and their support was incredible. My shotgun technique changed completely after those few training sessions,” she says.
Her success continued at the 2023 Shotgun World Shoot in Thailand, where she earned fourth place in the junior category, and Tailyn made the shoot-offs at the end of the competition. “I beat the juniors who came 1st and 3rd, and I got to meet incredible people in the shooting community, like Lena Miculek and Kim Leppanen,” she recalls with pride.
But the win she holds closest to her heart was at the IPSC Shotgun Nationals. “To win the Ladies Standard Division and become the Lady Champion was something I’d wanted for years,” Tailyn reflects. “The reason this is my biggest achievement isn’t just because I hold the title for the year, but it’s because of how proud my dad was when I won.”
Tailyn’s message to other women in the sport is clear: it’s about the effort you put in, not your gender. “Competing against men makes me want to train harder to prove that it’s about the time you spend on the range, not who you are physically,” she explains.
Training Hard and Breaking Stereotypes
While the shooting world is often seen as male-dominated, Tailyn has never let this deter her. “In the shooting community, most see themselves as equals,” she explains. “It doesn’t matter what you look like, who you are, or if you’re male or female. Everyone competes as equals.”
However, she does acknowledge the challenge of having fewer women competing in the sport. “The biggest challenge is not having enough competition in the ladies’ division,” Tailyn admits. “But the exciting thing is that more women are joining and getting involved. This year, we had a Ladies’ Team in the Standard Manual Division for the first time ever in South Africa, which is incredible!”
Her persistence to break through these barriers is a reflection of the Women Who Train programme’s goals. Tailyn has shown that with determination, women can excel in the sport and inspire others to do the same. “The Women Who Train programme will help more women step into the world of firearms training and become leaders in the field,” Tailyn notes.
The Role of Mentorship
Mentorship has been crucial to Tailyn’s journey. “My dad and uncle Andy have been the ones guiding me and shaping me into the shooter I am today,” she says. “Their competitive drive and passion for firearms have motivated me to be the best version of myself.”
Having mentors who guide you, share their knowledge, and support your growth is key. “Mentors help you understand the landscape and provide guidance based on their own experiences,” Tailyn explains. “The women entering this space need to know that they are not alone, and that support is out there.”
Tailyn credits her mentors with opening doors and providing opportunities she hadn’t considered. “They’ve watched me grow and opened up opportunities that I didn’t even think of when I was younger,” she says.
Just as Tailyn benefited from mentorship, the Women Who Train programme offers aspiring female instructors the support they need to excel. “The programme will build a supportive community that fosters growth and empowerment, with experienced trainers guiding new recruits,” she says.
Shaping the Future of Female Firearm Trainers
Looking ahead, Tailyn is excited about the increasing representation of women in the firearms community. “We need more female representation in the firearm industry,” she says. “The Women Who Train programme will help show women that firearms are not something to be afraid of. Women are capable of doing anything.”
Tailyn’s own experiences highlight the importance of empowering women to believe in themselves. “When I attended the ITA Custodian course, I was the only woman among nine students, but I showed them that I could do it,” she recalls. “I didn’t need help lifting or stripping the firearm; I could do it on my own.”
Through the Women Who Train programme, more women can gain the confidence and skills needed to step into roles as firearms instructors. “If there are more women in the industry, more women will want to be a part of it too,” she says.
Taking the First Step
Tailyn’s advice to women considering a career in firearms training is simple: “Believe that you belong in this space. The firearms community benefits from diverse voices and teaching styles, and women bring unique strengths to the table.”
She encourages women to step into the firearms community without fear. “Don’t let intimidation hold you back! Every great instructor started somewhere, and your perspective could be exactly what future students need.”
The future of female instructors is bright, with Tailyn believing that the role of women in the industry will only continue to grow. “Female instructors will continue to play a crucial role in making the industry more welcoming, safe, and accessible,” she concludes.
A New Era in Firearm Training: Empowering Women to Lead
Tailyn Lincow’s journey proves that with dedication, passion, and the right mentorship, women can achieve success in the firearms industry. Her story is just one example of what is possible when women step into the firearms training community. The Women Who Train programme is a vital opportunity for women across South Africa to take their passion for firearms to the next level and become leaders in the field. If you’re ready to make a difference and shape the future of firearms training, applications are open now. Join us and be part of the change.
