Shooter Smith On Song Against Top Field In Paris Finale

Para-shooter Natalie Smith has equalled her best Paralympic result in the R8 women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, making the final on Tuesday and placing eighth overall in a fierce field of competitors. 

The rewarding result on Day 6 caps off Smith’s 2024 Paris campaign at Chateauroux Shooting Centre, after placing 12th in the R2 women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 on Friday. 

Today’s event, which consisted of three different positions – kneeling, prone and standing – saw Smith fire 40 shots across eight, five shot series in the final. 

Smith had a strong start and placed third after the first 15 shots in the kneeling series with a score of 150.8, however in a world-class field the 49-year-old ranked seventh after the prone discipline on 300.7 points and eighth with a score of 396.2 following the standing position. 

The four-time Paralympian was then eliminated for the high stakes shoot out where the medals were decided. 

Considered a ‘marathon’ of the rifle events due to the long nature of the eve, Smith said she was pleased to make the final. 

“It was a great feeling to make the final, that’s the first part of what we’re here to do,” Smith said. 

“We are competing with the world’s best, and I feel like I have so much more left in me. I’m always happy to equal a PB but I know there’s a lot more there.” 

Having qualified earlier in the day in the range with an open-air roof and weather elements to acclimatise to, Smith highlighted it was a different experience then backing up to shoot the final indoors. 

“I haven’t shot as an indoor for a final before, so that was definitely interesting and a challenge,” she said. 

“Another challenge was definitely the vision through my sight, either my eyeballs or my sight wasn’t agreeing together today.” 

With her husband Stuart and son Daniel in the crowd – Daniel was even interviewed during one of the change overs – Smith said it was special a feeling having them watching in the stands. 

“It was really nice having them there. It’s always amazing to have family that can share it with you.” 

Smith’s teammate Anton Zappelli will be the Australian shooting team’s final competitor to line up in Chateauroux Shooting Centre when he competes in the R6 mixed air rifle prone on Thursday, September 5. 

Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the 9Network and 9Now live and free, and on Stan Sport from August 28 to September 8.

By: Daneille Balales, Paralympics Australia

Published: 3 September 2024