AO: Out of all the places you’ve traveled to in NRA All Access, which destination
was the most memorable?
VAIL: Our trip to Italy was by far the most memorable. Our flight back to the
U.S. was canceled, so we decided to make the most of our time and explore
Rome. I visited the Vatican with my dad when I was a little girl, so going back
and experiencing that rich history all over again was very special for me.
AO: You’ve been skydiving, practiced boxing, and participated in many other
thrilling and high-endurance sports. What’s one thing you haven’t done yet,
but would like to check off of your list?
VAIL: I would love to bungee-jump from a hot air balloon!
AO: What was it like competing in your first shooting competition at the NRA
World Shooting Championship in season 5? Which stage was your favorite?
VAIL: Daunting, to say the least! I was paired with a group of professional
shooters and I kept thinking that my skill level should be on par with
theirs. Only after a few rounds of being humbled (completely defeated)
by them, I realized that I should be having fun with this first
competition instead of thinking that I should be able to dominate
right off the bat. After I switched my mindset, I ended up really
enjoying those few days and I even picked up a few tips from the
pros along the way. My favorite stations were cowboy action
and long-range precision. There is something about making
an 800+ yard shot that really gets you fired up.
AO: Is there anything you wish you could do over again,
such as the Bataan Death March or the Pageants, either for
the thrill, or for a different result?
VAIL: For as long as there are Bataan survivors, I will do
the Bataan Memorial Death March every year that I can.
Additionally, I would absolutely do Miss America over
again. I wouldn’t have been a stereotypical bleached-blonde,
I certainly wouldn’t have chosen to sing opera for my talent,
and I wouldn’t have cheated on my diet in those last two
weeks of competing! I still cringe at the photos.
AO: What can we expect from Theresa Vail in the near
future? Are there any upcoming surprises or events
that you’re participating in?
VAIL: MY WHOLE LIFE IS
A SURPRISE!
I live with blind faith that the next day will
bring bigger and better opportunities. God
has not disappointed me yet. After competing
for my first time in the NRA World Shooting
Championship, I would like to start getting
involved in competitions. I wasn’t as bad as I
thought I would be for a newbie.
78 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors