The teenager will compete in the Olympic trap discipline, shooting at 50 targets on the first day and 25 on the next before the finals.

Pearce met her fellow Australian representatives at an invitational shoot at Brisbane and gave some of her more-fancied opponents a scare in the practice competition. 

She shot 62/75, including a personal best of 24/25 from one of the sessions.

In the single barrel shoot-off between the top six shooters, Pearce fired 11/15 targets, earning a shoot-off against a rival who competed at the Commonwealth Games. 

In the sudden-death event, she took the champion on for eight rounds before missing the ninth target.

“I got a handshake from the Australian coach,” she said.

“I was almost shaking, most shoot-offs are finished before the third or fourth rounds.”

Pearce said she was surprised at how well she went and credited the training tips she received from bronze and gold Olympians Adam Veller and Suzie Ballogh.

“We worked on my technique leaning into the rifle, changing the position of my hands on the stock, foot positioning and just standing more upright,” she said. 

“Little things that make a difference and also made the kick of gun less rough.” 

The 17-year-old practices twice a week and will compete in the Australia Cup just two weeks before jet-setting to Germany. 

“The Italians shooters are earmarked as the favourites in Suhl, however I will be happy to do my best,” she said.

Pearce said she could never stop the nerves when she is shooting.

“Even if I hit the target I’m even more nervous for the next one,” she said. 

However, with training, perseverance and a kick of adrenaline she has managed to keep her aim true. 

One thing that Pearce is not looking forward to is the gruelling overseas flight to Suhl, her first trip to Europe. 

“I went to America recently and I thought that was a long trip, this is double the travel time,” she said. 

She won’t have to compete on arrival though with four practice day shoots in the lead up to the competition proper.