If you’re new to following, you should know I’m a fan of all things hunting and shooting. One of my favorite iconic figures in the shooting sport of Olympic shotgunner Kim Rhode.
She’s a phenomenon in shotgun sports, a fabulous hunter, and a role model to all. Check it out as she continues to claim the podium.
Rhode Defends Title, Vizzi Wins Bronze and Connor Fourth at World Cup Final
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (October 25, 2017) – It was a strong showing from all three of the American competitors in Women’s Skeet as the U.S. took gold, bronze and fourth today at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final in New Delhi, India.
Kim Rhode (El Monte, California) successfully defended her World Cup Final title in world-class fashion, equaling the world record of 56/60 targets in the Final. Current Olympic Champion, Diana Bacosi of Italy, would also tie Rhode’s score on her last target of the match. The gold medal was decided 22 targets later in a shootoff, with Rhode claiming her second World Cup Final title in a row. Today’s win marks Rhode’s third World Cup Final title in her career.
“A lot of things happened during this Final, but I think that’s typical with any event,” Rhode told the ISSF. “You just roll with the punches and hope for the best outcome… And this is the best outcome you can have! I couldn’t be happier!”
Reigning World Champion Dania Vizzi (Odessa, Florida) hit 44/50 targets to claim the bronze medal.
Caitlin Connor (Winnfield, Louisiana) missed two targets at a crucial stage in the competition to be eliminated in fourth place. Connor also finished fourth in her other World Cup Finals appearances in 2012 and 2009.
Competition continues for the USA Shooting Team at the World Cup Final as Women’s Air Rifle and Men’s Skeet action start tomorrow. Olympic champion Ginny Thrasher (Springfield, Virginia) will look to build on her 2016 World Cup Finals appearance where she won bronze in the Women’s Air Rifle event. Two-time Olympian Frank Thompson (Alliance, Nebraska) will represent the U.S. in Men’s Skeet. Thompson won silver at the World Cup stage in Acapulco, Mexico.
The Trap Mixed Team of Ashley Carroll (Solvang, California) and Derek Haldeman (U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit/Sunbury, Ohio) won bronze yesterday at the World Cup Final in India.
ISSF World Cup Final: Finals Schedule
All times are listed in Eastern Time. New Delhi is 10.5 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone
Thursday, October 26th: 10m Air Rifle Women at 2:30 a.m., Skeet Men at 5:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 28th: Trap Women at 5:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 29th: 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men at 12:45 a.m.
*Photo and editorial assistance provided by the ISSF
