Alessandra Perilli won the Trap Women Gold gaining a spot in the Games for San Marino. Spain’s Galvez followed in second also claiming an Olympic Quota.
The smallest country won the biggest prize, at today’s Trap Women final, at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Concepcion, Chile.
Allessandra Perilli, 22, coming from the “Republic of the Titano” finished indeed in first place, gaining the Gold with an overall score of 92 (71+21) hits. With the brightest medal, the young athlete also brings back home an entrance ticket to the next London Games.
Thanks to Perilli’s victory, San Marino gained its first Olympic Quota Place, a ticket to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games. And this is not the first time that the small country qualifies to participate in world’s biggest sport event thanks to shooting. Shotgun shooting is indeed a traditional sport widely practices in the 31-thousand-inhabitants nation, which counts several champions within its tiny borders.
And the Perilli’s family makes no exception, with two sisters competing at international levels. “I love my family very much, they have always been supporting me and they are part of this victory!” Alessandra said, dropping a few tears of joy, while thinking of her sister Arianna, a two-time European Champion (2005 and 2006), shooting for Italy.
“Oh my God, I am going to London 2012…. I will need to learn English, now!” Alessandra said in a smile.
“I am very emotional about securing this Quota Place for my country, and winning the Gold medal!” Alessandra added after the award ceremony. “I have been plasticising a lot for this World Cup Stage and this is a great reward.”
Following her, Spain’s 24-year old finalist Fatima Galvez secured the Silver medal with 91 hits, pocketing the second Olympic Quota place awarded today. Entering the final round with 70 qualification hits, the Spanish shooter fought neck and neck against Perilli right to the end, finishing then in second by one target.
The other finalists finished far behind. Russia’s Elena Tkach won the Bronze with 88 (70+18 hits). She was followed by Nihan Kantarci in fourth with 87 (69+18) targets, while the Olympic Champion of Beijing, Finland’s Makela Nummela-Satu ended up in fifth with 86 (69+17) hits.
The ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Concepcion will now continue with the Trap and Skeet Men Final. The day after tomorrow, Monday the 7th, the Skeet Men Final will take place at 17.00 Chile time (GMT-3).