A Balanced Approach As Smith Fires First Shots In Paris 

Para-shooter Natalie Smith was first to take aim for the Australian team at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre on Friday, competing against 16 of the world’s best in the R2 women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1. 

After firing 60 shots at the target across six, 10 shot series, Smith finished the qualifying rounds with a total score of 614.1 to see her finish 12th overall. 

Although the 49-year-old’s score wasn’t enough to progress to the final later in the day – with only the top eight qualifying – the Queenslander improved on her performance from Tokyo 2020 where she scored 609.4 and placed 19th. 

“I’m proud that I was able better my position from Tokyo, but there’s still plenty I can keep working on, including that balance between tension and relaxation,” Smith said after competing. 

“I probably went the opposite way where I had a lot of tension in Tokyo, and I had way too much relaxation at the start of this event. Then by the time I found the balance it was too late to get a good enough score to make finals.” 

It was at this same event in London 2012 that Smith won her maiden Paralympic bronze medal, which still stands as Australia’s last podium finish in para-shooting. 

Smith has one more event on the program, the R8 women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, which gets underway on Tuesday, September 3. 

Taking lessons from today’s event, the right-hander will be striving to fine tune that all-important balance. 

“Heading into Tuesday’s event, I’ll definitely try not to relax too much and keep working on that balance, and I’ll continue to try my best for Australia. 

“It always feels amazing to pull on the green and gold, it’s something I’ve very fortunate to be able to do so I’m looking forward to getting back out there next week.” 

Smith’s teammate Anton Zappelli is next up at Chateauroux Shooting Centre when he competes in the R3 mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 on Sunday. 

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: Danielle Balales, Paralympics Australia

Published: 30 August 2024