Nate Palubiski takes aim at Portgual in his recent World Cup Success
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Nate Palubiski’s introduction to clay target shooting has taken him from the back paddock of a small country farm to the top of the world and now a world championship.
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The Rutherglen 19-year-old has etched his name into the history books, becoming the 2026 Junior International Shooting Federation of Hunting Sport Weapons (FITASC) World Champion in Ota, Portugal.
“Being able to compete and integrate with the best in the world is surreal, and to learn and gain experience from the best is priceless,” Palubiski said.
One of his earliest memories came from the North East School Boys Championships at Benalla.
Being a Year 6 student and ineligible to compete, Palubiski travelled with the senior students and quickly became captivated.
Nate and his father Simon Palubiski who was his major influence.
It was his father, Simon, who helped turn that interest into a pathway.
“My dad was my major influence; after a few local club competitions, Dad decided to take me to the Victorian State Championships,” he said.
“This was the moment I realised that I might have potential.”
Finishing third gave Palubiski the belief he could have a future in the sport.
Another important influence came after meeting Mulwala’s Olympic shooter, James Willett, after the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The opportunity to meet and learn from an elite-level shooter showed Palubiski what could be achieved and another source of inspiration.
“Being lucky enough to grow up on a small farm, I have a training range in the back paddock,” he said.
“Being able to train when I would like and how I would like is a massive advantage.”
Training involves setting up clay target traps after work, with weekends often spent travelling to regional competitions.
Before major events, training increases to every second day.
Nate on top of the world after winning his first world championship in Portugal last month.
That dedication culminated in Portugal, where Palubiski became Australia’s junior world champion, ending a 33-year drought before an Australian claimed the Junior World FITASC Sporting Championship.
“Knowing that all my training and effort has been worth it, this is really fulfilling,” he said.
Rather than resting on his world title, Palubiski's attention has quickly turned to the next challenge.
This week he competes at the World Compact Sporting Championships in Milan, Italy, as part of the Australian Open men’s team.
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