USA Shooting Makes History at Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
USA Shooting achieved a historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, winning a total of six medals. The Olympic team secured five medals, with standout athletes like Sagen Maddalena earning silver in women’s 50m smallbore rifle and Vincent Hancock claiming his fourth gold in men’s skeet. In the Paralympics, YanXiao Gong won silver in P3 mixed 25m pistol SH1, making significant contributions to the team’s overall success and establishing a new legacy in American shooting sports.
USA Shooting’s Olympic and Paralympic teams achieved remarkable success at the Paris 2024 Games, returning with a total of six medals from Chateauroux, France. During the Olympic competition from July 26 to August 11, the team secured five medals through impressive performances across various events. Sagen Maddalena, a native of Groveland, California and a sergeant in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, clinched the first U.S. medal in shooting, earning a silver in the women’s 50m smallbore rifle. Maddalena delivered a thrilling performance, outperforming Qiongyue Zhang of China, who took home bronze. Additionally, she placed fourth in the women’s 10m air rifle event, demonstrating her prowess. Vincent Hancock of Eatonton, Georgia, made history by winning his fourth gold medal in men’s skeet, becoming the sixth athlete in Olympic history to achieve such a feat and the first shooter to do so. His achievement placed him alongside legendary Olympians such as Al Oerter and Michael Phelps. Conner Prince from Burleson, Texas, complemented Hancock’s win by earning a silver in men’s skeet, marking the first time the United States received more than one medal in this event. Austen Smith of Keller, Texas, secured bronze in women’s skeet with a qualification score of 122 out of 125, showcasing a well-fought victory in a shoot-off that determined her entry into the finals. Together, Smith and Hancock combined their efforts to earn silver in the mixed team skeet event, finishing second to Italy in a highly competitive final. Notably, Katelyn Abeln from Douglasville, Georgia, made history as the first U.S. woman to qualify for an Olympic pistol final, finishing in eighth place in the women’s 25m sport pistol final. The Paralympic competition took place from August 28 to September 8, where YanXiao Gong from Malibu, California, achieved great success with a silver medal in the P3 mixed 25m pistol SH1 event. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone as the first men’s medal for the U.S. in the Paralympics since 2004 and the first for pistol since 1984. Gong also qualified for the P4 mixed 50m pistol SH1 final, finishing eighth overall.
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased the talent and dedication of American shooters, highlighting the significant achievements of the USA Shooting team. This event served as a platform for athletes to excel in multiple shooting disciplines, representing their country with pride. The strong presence of military-affiliated athletes underscored the discipline and commitment inherent in the sport, contributing to the team’s overall success. USA Shooting’s dedication to excellence was evident through their rigorous training and competitive spirit, further establishing their reputation in the shooting sports arena.
In summary, the USA Shooting teams made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games by securing six prestigious medals, achieving remarkable milestones in shooting sports. With outstanding performances from athletes such as Sagen Maddalena, Vincent Hancock, and YanXiao Gong, the events not only highlighted individual successes but also reflected the strength of the team as a whole. The participation of military veterans and active service personnel reinforced the dedication and discipline present within the sport, marking a significant achievement for USA Shooting on the global stage.
Original Source: www.ssusa.org
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