Penny Smith

Penny Smith: The Bronze-Tastic Trigger of Australia's Golden Dreams!

Triggering tears and triumphs! Dive into Penny Smith's emotional journey to Olympic bronze in trap shooting, and discover fun facts about the sport!

In a heart-stopping moment at the Paris Olympics 2024, Australian shooter Penny Smith captured the bronze medal in the women’s trap finals, solidifying her place as a fierce competitor on the world stage. The 29-year-old sharpshooter from Geelong not only showcased her precise shooting skills but also displayed her emotional side, thanking her family with tears of joy flowing freely as she celebrated this significant achievement. Smith finished the finals with an impressive score of 32 out of 40, marking a pivotal moment for Australian women in the sport.

The journey to the podium wasn’t without its nail-biting twists. After a tense shoot-off, Smith narrowly qualified for the medal round, proving just how close the competition was. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered her on, increasing the tension with every shot. Smith’s perseverance and composed demeanor were on full display, leading her to her first Olympic medal since woefully placing fourth at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

As the nation rejoiced in her success, Penny’s triumph marks Australia’s first medal in women’s trap shooting since the London 2012 Olympics. This victory is monumental not just for Smith but for the future of the sport in Australia, as it inspires up-and-coming athletes to aim high and shoot straight towards Olympic glory. The emotional backdrop makes her victory even sweeter, as it was achieved in the face of intense pressure and personal dedication.

Penny’s bronze medal isn't just a win for her but a win for all trap shooters across Australia, showing that grit and determination can yield success on the world stage. In the realm of Olympic history, did you know that trap shooting has been a staple since the 1900 Paris Games? And for a bit of fun, the term "trap" refers not only to the setup of the shooting event but also a very popular type of dessert!