Nicknamed the ‘Florida Nightmare’ by fellow Team USA shooters, Joe Fanizzi is one of US shooting’s young rising stars. Born and raised in Okeechobee, Florida, Joe is the son of Fred and Maria, co-managers at the famous Quail Creek Plantation Shooting Ground, where he can often be found practising for his next competition. His list of achievements are remarkable for his age, including two World FITASC Junior Championships and a World English Colt Championship.
I found Joe to be a real gentleman as well as a fierce competitor. A devout Christian, he believes that he can only shoot his best when he gets the balance right between God, study and shooting. “I have lived here at Quail Creek my whole life,” says Joe. “Growing up in the shotgun sports industry has been a really cool experience. Outside of Sporting clays, I love being surrounded by nature. Whether it’s hunting or fishing, the great outdoors is where I want to be. Being seventeen, I’m still in school and completing my final year before I head off to university, which will take up a lot of my time.”