SHOOTING: As the Aussies bow out of the individual events in shooting at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, the focus now turns to the mixed internationals.

In all of their individual matches, the Aussies were put under the pump and were unfortunate not to make to the final in either discipline.

Sydneysider, Daniel Clopatofsky was the last member of the Australian shooting team to pick up his gun at the YOG, competing in the 10m Air Rifle.

The 17-year-old started strong but as the shooting progressed he was edged out by his opponents.

After 75mins and 60 shots, Clopatofsky put together a score of 594.5 which unfortunately did not give a birth into the finals.

Clopatofsky admitted it was not the result he came for.

“I worked for months on this, specifically for this event and for it not to be enough today hurts, but tomorrow is another day,” he said.

“I fought hard and I learned a few things from the mistakes I made and I will take those lessons into the next match and fight harder.

Few can imagine the pressure that comes with competing in such a huge event, as Clopatofsky explains.

“It is probably the biggest fight you will ever have with yourself. It is a big test, everything the board or the screen shows is a reflection of you, so it is tough,” said the New South Welshman.

“I had a lot of things running through my mind and I fought as best as I could, but today was not enough.”

A small Aussie crowd has watched every shot of the shooting competition, a luxury not every country has.

“It’s always nice to have people from home supporting you.”

Clopatofsky, and the rest of the shooters will now fight for a medal in the mixed international events.

Elise Downing and Chris Summerell are first up and will compete later today in the 10m Air Pistol.

Results to come...

Update

Elise Downing and partner, Aleksandar Todorov (Bulgaria) have progressed to the quarterfinals of the mixed international event and will shoot for the medal tomorrow morning. 

Unfortunately, fellow Aussie Chris Summerell was unsuccessful in his round of 16 match. Summerell was partnered with Chritina van Elzelingen from Denmark.

Sam Rawlings
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam