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Four-time Paralympian Natalie Smith has made a triumphant return to competition, securing a silver medal at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup event in South Korea.
In her first contest since the Paris Paralympic Games last year, Smith focused on consistency and her composure in her final of the R8 – women’s 50 metres rifle 3 positions, delivering steady progress to score 446.7. She had earlier earned her place in the final by scoring 572 and finishing qualification ranked third.
“It was definitely good to have nerves but still shoot well knowing that next time will only be better,” Smith said.
Smith won a bronze medal at her first Paralympics, London 2012, in the 10 metres air rifle standing SH1. At the Paris Games, she came 12th in that event and eighth in the event in which she won silver in Korea.
Smith’s result followed fellow Paralympian Anton Zappelli’s fourth placing in the R3 – mixed air rifle 10 metres prone.
“It’s a good start for the new [Paralympic] cycle,” Zappelli said. “It gives me quiet confidence moving forward as I know what I need to focus on to minimise little mistakes when we get back to Australia.”
Shooting Australia CEO, Adam Sachs said: “It’s good to see our Para-athletes back in international competition at the beginning of a cycle and I congratulate Natalie and Anton on their results in Korea.
“Growing the number and performances of Australian athletes in Para-shooting is a key strategic focus for Shooting Australia in the years to come. We are excited about the prospect of our current and future athletes establishing themselves as regular finalists and medallists in the lead up to the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.
“With increased support from the Australian Institute of Sport, Shooting Australia will be investing significant time and funding in this outcome.”
By Shooting Australia and David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.
Published 5 June, 2025.
Photo credit: Shooting Australia.
