Sport
15 May, 2026
Gold and a world record
BOOKAAR trap shooting star Penny Smith has brought home gold – and a new world record – from the recent ISSF World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Smith’s performance in the final of the women’s trap event was the highlight of the Australian team’s performance at the World Cup, finishing with a perfect 30/30 in the cut-throat final.
Smith, who returned home late Tuesday night, said she was absolutely thrilled with her performance in the final.
“Fortunately, I shot really well in the final, which was a different format than previous,” she said.
“The old format involved 50 targets and this was 30; it was a sprint final rather than a marathon which worked well for me this time.”
Going into the World Cup, Smith said she had been feeling positive given her recent form.
“I set myself some pretty high expectations because before travelling to Almaty I had competed in the national championships two weeks prior and won two open national titles,” she said.
“Coming off that success I was feeling confident in myself and backed my ability to do what I do best.”
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Finishing top of the podium at the World Cup, Smith was the only Australian in the top three – with fellow team-mate Laetischa Scanlan finishing fourth.
Her perfect 30/30 score smashed the previous world record of 24.
Smith will spend this week recovering at home before resuming her busy training schedule next week.
Her next goal will be earning selection for the World Championships which will be held ‘back to back’ in Italy and China in July.
“The first match of the qualifiers will be held in Melbourne in two week’s time and then the second match will be in Brisbane,” Smith said.
“If I’m selected I’ll be heading to Europe and that will be a tour of just under four weeks which would be great.”
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