Sport
28 February, 2025
International gold for Smith
SHOOTING sensation Penny Smith has added yet another international medal to her collection, bringing home gold from the Kata Grand Prix.
Speaking with the Camperdown Chronicle yesterday (Thursday), Smith said she was thrilled to kick off the new shooting season with a win in the wake of her Olympic bronze in 2024.
“We had the national championships in January but it was nice to be back on the international circuit this month, and to come home from the Middle East with gold in the women’s trap was rewarding,” Smith said.
“It was my first international competition since the Olympics so it was good to break the ice and get back on the circuit.
“I still have a few minor tweaks to work on but overall I was happy with my performance.”
Smith shot a first round 117/125 targets and then went on to score a solid 44/50 in the final to finish two ahead of her nearest rival (from Finland).
“There was six of us in the final; three women from Finland, one from Iran and one from Lebanon,” Smith said.
“I’ll now spend some time training at the range at home, and will make a few trips to Melbourne, before the World Cup Series starts in April.”
The first of the series will be held in Argentina.
Smith will spend about two weeks there before heading to Peru for the second World Cup.
“I’ll be away for just under four weeks; fortunately my international trips are covered by the AIS and Shooting Australia but domestic competitions are self-funded,” she said.
At the completion of the World Cup Series, Smith will have her sights set on earning selection in the Australian team for the World Championships, to be held in Greece in October.
“The top three women will represent Australia in Greece so hopefully I'll be one of those,” Smith said.
“I’ll just keep putting my best foot forward, getting the best results I can and see what happens from there.”
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