SHOOTING: 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Warren Potent (Currans Hill, NSW) has finally broken through, winning a silver medal in the Men’s Rifle Prone event, overnight in Slovenia.

After making it to all the three finals in as many World Cups attended this year, Potent has emerged a medallist, in what was an exciting match of precision.

Potent lined up alongside 106 athletes in the elimination round at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Maribor (13-21 June).

Only 52 athletes made it through to the qualification round, including both Australian athletes, Potent and Thomas Versace (Wandoan, QLD).

At the qualification stage, Potent shot 626.6 and made it to the eight-person final. Versace scored 615.9.

Facing very windy conditions and poor lighting, the finals posed a set of challenges to all athletes in action.

The first to bow out was Olympic multi-medallist Mathew Emmons of USA, who had qualified for the final with the highest score of 630.0, setting a new American record.

As the match progressed, Potent shot an outstanding series of 10s and finished with 207.0 points, to win the silver from Marcel Buerge of Switzerland. Potent’s score has also earned him a New Finals Oceania record.

In a surprise twist, first time ISSF World Cup finalist, China’s Xing Lan displayed remarkable marksmanship beyond his 23 years. Lan shot 2.3 points ahead of Potent, winning his debut title.

Speaking about his success at the event, Potent was quick to thank everyone for their support.

“This is my best performance in four years and I’m very happy with the result, especially considering the tough sighting in the Final Hall.”

National High Performance Rifle Coach Petr Kurka was proud of Potent’s success.

“Warren certainly deserved the medal, after having made it to every World Cup Final this year.”

Shooting Australia is posting a strong team to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next month, where Potent will no doubt be looking to add to his collection of medals.

Shooting Australia