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Established rifle shooter Natalie Smith missed the opportunity to qualify for the final of the R2 10m Rifle Standing event, however the veteran shooter is determined to bounce back strongly to make the final cut in the R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone on Wednesday.
The Queenslander had a tough start to her Paralympic campaign finishing in 19th position with a score of 609.4, with China’s Cuiping Zhang qualifying in the top spot with a score of 626.0.
Smith started off strong scoring 102.2 and 103.0 in the first two series respectively but was unable to capitalise on the momentum to gain her a spot in the final.
“I started off really well today, but I missed in the middle and that dragged my scores down and unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it up,” said Smith.
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While the scoreboard was a disappointment for Smith, she was optimistic about contesting the R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone with team mate Anton Zappelli.
“You always have to keep going, never ever give up. There is always next time, only a couple more days and I get another shot,” said Smith.
Unable to compete internationally for the last two years hindered Smith’s preparations.
“It’s great to finally be out competing again, it feels amazing to be in Tokyo, the atmosphere is great, the people are great and everyone is so friendly,” said Smith.
After claiming a bronze medal for the same event at the 2012 London games, Smith returned to the world circuit to win gold at the 2018 World Shooting Para Sport Championships.
Smith says the level of competition has intensified.
“These girls are just getting higher and higher scores, they are absolute precision machines so it’s hard to keep up with them all the time, but it’s something I’m definitely going to keep working on,” said Smith.
“London was a complete unknown for me, I went in blind not really knowing what to expect. In Rio I put a lot of pressure myself. This time, even though my scores were very disappointing, I have actually been able to enjoy the whole experience.”
Following in the footsteps of her late grandfather Norman Lutz who represented Australia in the Olympic Shooting Team at the 1956 Melbourne games, Smith plans to make the 2024 Paralympics Team and says by then she hopes to have the perfect scores.
“I’ll be ready to be on the top of the podium again, I just need to pull my finger out and make sure my scores are up there” said Smith.
Shooting has provided the mental challenge Smith needed following life changing injuries that left her a paraplegic.
“It keeps me healthy and mentally challenged, and that’s important,” said Smith.
During a hiking holiday in Uluru in 2009 Smith slipped off some rocks, breaking a number vertebrae and damaged her spine.
After spending six months in hospital, Smith said she took a bit of a crash mentally and praises sport as vital to her recovery.
“It’s not something you can prepare yourself for, you have to learn a new way of living,” said Smith.
Smith says the experience taught her, you can do anything but you just have to figure out how.
“Just don’t give up, keep giving things a go, keep trying, in the end you will get there, and you know what, it’s worth it because the good things are just amazing,” said Smith.
Watch the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games live and free on Seven and 7plus from August 24 – September 5.
The Australian Para-Shooters will be in action again tomorrow at Asaka Shooting Range.
12:00 (13:00 ASET) Tuesday 31 August – Chris Pitt, P1 Men’s 10m Air Pistol, Class SH1
09:30 (10:30 AEST) Wednesday 1 September – Natalie Smith and Anton Zappelli, R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone, Class SH1
0845 (09:45 AEST) Thursday 2 September – Chris Pitt, P3 Mixed 25m Pistol, Class SH1
09:30 (10:30 AEST) Sunday 5 September – Anton Zappelli, R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone, Class SH1
By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 30 August 2021
