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Debutant Joshua aims with Precision

 

Debutant Joshua aims with Precision

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AOC
Joshua Bell Paris 2024

With conditions finally cooler for Day Seven of competition at the Chatearoux Shooting Centre, Olympic debutant Joshua Bell stepped out onto the shotgun range for his first day of Men’s Skeet qualification. 

Coming into the Games with a recent World Cup Mixed Teams bronze medal under his belt, Joshua was prepared to compete against 29 of the world’s best.

In front of energised grandstand, that included his parents, Joshua opened the day breaking 24 of the 25 flying orange targets. Joshua then went on to shoot two rounds of 23, closing the day with a total score of 70 out of 75.

“I found today really good. The conditions were overcast in the morning and the sun came out in the afternoon,” said the Aussie, who competed behind Olympic qualification record holder Eric Delaunay.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere. Following the local Frenchman has been great, a little bit of a distraction, but good to reset and then go for it.

“To be amongst it is absolutely unreal and I couldn’t ask for a better debut.”

With 50 targets remaining going into day two of qualification, Joshua has cited a ‘rinse and repeat’ approach to the competition. 

The Australian is currently sitting in 18th place, with the top six men progressing through to the final, at the conclusion of tomorrow’s qualification. 

The USA currently occupies the top of the leaderboard, with triple Olympic gold medallist Vincent Hancock the only one to shoot a perfect score today.

Over on the pistol range, Victoria’s Elena Galiabovitch concluded her Paris Olympic campaign, competing in the 25m Pistol Women’s event. 

Elena opened strong with a score of 99 out of 100 in her first precision series. She followed with two series of 93, finishing the precision stage in the middle of the field. 

After a short break, Galiabovitch returned to complete the rapid-fire stage, opening with a 93 that was followed by a welcomed series of 99. 

The triple-Olympian finished with a 94 series, and a total qualification score of 569, placing 35th overall. 
“That was a disappointing end to my Olympic campaign, but the journey is 100% worth it,” she said.

“I am now ready to cheer on everyone who is still competing.”

Hungary’s Veronika Major was the top 25m Pistol Women’s qualifier, equalling the Olympic Qualification Record with a score of 592. The score required to secure a place in the final of 8, was 585.

Heading into Day 8, Joshua Bell will continue Men’s Skeet Qualification, while the youngest member of the Australian Shooting Team, Aislin Jones, will commence day one of Women’s Skeet Qualification. Sergei Evglevski will complete his final training session ahead of his 25m Pistol Rapid Fire competition on Sunday.