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Image Source: (USA Shooting/Brittany Nelson)
August 19, 2024
NSSF Congratulates USA Shooting Team on Historic Performance at Paris 2024 Olympics
WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, congratulates the USA Shooting team on its extraordinary achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where team members earned an impressive five medals. Along with this remarkable feat, the 2024 Olympics saw many firsts for USA Shooting, marking a significant chapter in the history of U.S. shooting sports.
“We are immensely proud of the USA Shooting athletes for their remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “Their performance not only highlights their exceptional talent and commitment but also serves as an inspiration to millions of shooting sports enthusiasts across the country.”
Vincent Hancock Secures Gold in Men’s Skeet and Silver in Mixed Skeet
Vincent Hancock’s victory in Paris cements his place among the greatest Olympians in history. Earning his fourth gold medal in men’s skeet, Hancock joins an elite group of athletes who have also won four gold medals in their respective events, ranking among names like Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis and Katie Ledecky. Competing at the Châteauroux Shooting Range, Hancock delivered an almost flawless performance. In the finals, his precision and composure shone through as he hit 58 out of 60 targets, securing the gold medal.
Sagen Maddalena Wins Silver in Women’s Smallbore Rifle
Sagen Maddalena demonstrated exceptional resilience in the Women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle, 3 Positions event. Maddalena’s determination and focus allowed her to execute a series of impressive shots in the single-shot eliminations, ultimately securing the silver medal.
Conner Prince Takes Silver in Men’s Skeet
In his Olympic debut, Conner Prince delivered a remarkable performance, claiming silver in Men’s Skeet. His achievement, alongside Hancock’s, marks the first time Team USA has secured multiple medals in this event at a single Olympic Games.
Austen Smith Earns Two Medals in Skeet Events
In Women’s Skeet, Austen Smith’s strong performance in the qualification round and finals earned her a well-deserved bronze medal. Her consistency and focus were evident as she navigated a highly competitive field.
Smith also partnered with Vincent Hancock in the Mixed Team Skeet event, a new addition to the Olympic program in Paris. The duo advanced smoothly to the final, narrowly missing out on the gold and earning a silver medal.
Katelyn Abeln Makes History in Women’s 25m Sport Pistol
In addition to these achievements, Katelyn Abeln of Douglasville, Georgia, made history in Paris by becoming the first U.S. woman to ever qualify for an Olympic pistol final. Competing in the Women’s 25m Sport Pistol event, Abeln showcased her talent and determination, finishing eighth overall. Her accomplishment marks another proud moment for USA Shooting and adds to the team’s impressive record at the Games.
Support USA Shooting and the Upcoming Paralympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a historic moment for the USA Shooting team. With five medals and history-making performances like Hancock’s, these athletes have not only demonstrated exceptional skill but have also inspired the next generation of shooters. Their achievements bring immense pride to the United States and the shooting sports community. USA Shooting’s overall Paralympic and Olympic medal count now stands at 126—a testament to the team’s enduring excellence.
As we celebrate these achievements, NSSF encourages everyone to support USA Shooting by becoming a member, donating or sponsoring the team. Your support is vital to helping these athletes continue to succeed on the world stage.
The excitement continues with the upcoming Paralympic Games, where Team USA’s talented Paralympians will compete from August 28 to September 8. We urge you to watch and support them as they aim for gold. All finals events will be broadcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. View the Paralympic Games competition watch schedule here.
Let’s continue to rally behind our athletes as they strive for excellence and make history in Paris!
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About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.
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NSSF Media contact:
Bill Brassard
203-426-1320 ext. 212
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