A World Champion title remains elusive for Rio Olympic Gold medallist, Catherine Skinner, as she was narrowly defeated by Italian Jessica Rossi in the Women’s Trap at the ISSF World Shotgun Championships in Moscow, Russia.
In an outstanding display of athleticism, Skinner and Rossi alternated the lead for much of the final, with the two fighting to take the front foot right up until the 41st shot, where Rossi gained a two point lead that she held onto right until the end.
Gracious in defeat, the VIS scholarship holder observed afterwards that “you can’t beat someone who doesn’t miss!”
Alongside her fellow VIS scholarship holders, Penny Smith and Laetisha Scanlan, who finished 24th and 40th respectively, the Australian Women’s Trap Team secured an overall 4th place finish in the Team event.
In the Men’s Junior Trap, VIS scholarship holder, Jack Wallace also had a successful weekend at the World Championships, finishing 3rd. Wallace fought hard to hang onto his lead over Italian Emanuele Buccolieri, who finished 4th on 28, with Wallace finishing on 31. Rio Olympian and VIS scholarship holder, Mitchell Iles, finished just shy of the podium taking home fifth.
VIS scholarship holders Wallace and Iles capped off their competition, with a gold medal victory in the Men’s Junior Trap Team classification. Italy and America rounded out the podium.
The ISSF World Championship Shotgun wraps up on the 11th September in Moscow, Russia.
