Sport
24 April, 2025
Another gold for Smith
PENNY Smith has added another gold medal to her ever-growing collection, winning the trap mixed team event in Peru.
Smith and team-mate Mitch Iles won the gold medal on the final day of competition at the Lima, Peru International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup earlier this week.
Following on from their silver medal performance in the same event at the Buenos Aires World Cup less than two weeks prior, Smith and Iles once again joined forces as Australia Team 1.
They competed at the Las Palmas Shooting Range for the final event of the Peruvian World Cup.
Shooting a combined qualification score of 144 out of 150 targets, the pair were equal top qualifiers with team Guatemala, securing their place in the gold medal match.
Australia Team 2, comprising James Willett and Laetisha Scanlan, shot a combined team score of 135 out of 150 and finished in seventh place.
Prior to the start of the gold medal match, Smith and Iles were required to shoot off for bib numbers against the Guatemalans.
They were successful in securing big number one.
This meant they shot first in the medal match.
A strong start from Smith and Iles secured their lead early in the match.
The pair maintained this lead throughout the competition, holding a five target advantage over Guatemala as they entered the final 10 shots.
With six targets remaining for each team, the Australians couldn’t be beaten as Iles smashed his third last target, securing the gold medal, with a final score of 42 targets to Guatemala’s 39.
The bronze medal saw Italy defeat the United States by just one target.
Reflecting on an earlier World Cup silver medal, backed up with a gold at Peru, Smith said it was an “incredible” team effort.
“We work really well together and got the job done,” Smith said.
“We really just had to keep to our routines and do what we know best.
“You obviously know where each team is but just because you have the lead doesn’t make it easier; one shot at a time right until the end.”
A gold medal could not have been better timed for Smith, who was also celebrating her 30th birthday.
“It will certainly be a day I won’t forget,” she said.
“It makes for a special day and a nice way to finish our time away for Team Australia.”
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