Yesterday, Australian Para Rifle Athlete and four-time Paralympian, Natalie Smith claimed the silver medal in the R8 – Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Changwon, South Korea.
Competing in a field of athletes representing 5 different countries, Smith secured her place in the final, shooting a score of 572 and finishing qualification ranked 3rd.
Commenting on her qualification performance, Smith reflected, “I had some minor setbacks, but was able to work through those and stay focused on shooting good shots.”
With a focus on consistency and her composure, Smith delivered steady scores, maintaining a podium position throughout the final, securing the silver medal with a score of 446.7.
Of her silver medal and overall performance, Smith said “It was definitely good to have nerves but still shoot well knowing that next time will only be better.”
Emilia Babska of Poland won the gold medal, with bronze going to Korean athlete Yoojeong Lee.
This event marks Smith’s return to international competition following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she qualified for the final and placed 8th in the R8 event.
Natalie’s result follows Anton Zappelli’s performance in the R3 – Mixed Air Rifle 10m Prone event a day prior, where he shot a score of 631.1 qualifying for the final, and finishing 4th place.
Commenting on his performance, Zappelli explained, “It’s a good start for the new [Paralympic] cycle. It gives me quiet confidence moving forward as I know what I need to focus on to minimize little mistakes when we get back to Australia.”
Shooting Australia CEO, Adam Sachs highlighted, “It’s good to see our para-athletes back in international competition at the beginning of a cycle and I congratulate Natalie and Anton on their results in Korea.”
“Growing the number and performances of Australian athletes in Para Shooting is a key strategic focus for Shooting Australia in the years to come. We are excited about the prospect of our current and future athletes establishing themselves as regular finalists and medallists in the lead up to the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. With increased support from the Australian Institute of Sport, Shooting Australia will be investing significant time and funding in this outcome.”
The final event of the WSPS World Cup, will take place tomorrow as Natalie Smith, Anton Zappelli and Scottie Brydon compete in the R6 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone event.
