Published on 30 Jul 2006
Nattrass Reclaims Title after 25 Years
Sara John
Canada’s Susan Nattrass reclaimed her first World Championship title in women’s trap in 25 years. The first time Nattrass won a World Championship was in 1974, but has remained a force on the international front, even winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in Lonato, last year.
“I am still stunned,” Nattrass said. “When I was younger I went out and always expected to win, but now that I’m older I just hope to medal. But I never expected this. It is really exciting.” What made this even better for Nattrass was that today was her mother’s 84th birthday. “My mom has been at every World Championships with me and I thought Italy would be the last time she would be able to make a trip overseas,” Nattrass said. “But now her health is good, and I was able to bring her here. She loves shooting so much. This was a great present.” Nattrass shot a 69 in the qualifying rounds to enter the final in fourth. She then shot a 21 in the final, which moved her up to first place. China’s Li Chen finished in second with a 68 qualifying and a 21 in the final. Hye Gyong Chae, of the People’s Republic of Korea, qualified with a 68 and shot a 20 in the final to find herself tied with Great Britain’s Lesley Goddard. In what was only the second international event of her career, Chae won the shoot-off 2-1 for third place, while Goddard took fourth place. But, both won an Olympic country quota. Susanne Kiermayer, from Germany took fifth, shooting a 69 qualifying score and a 18 in the final, while Russia’s Elena Tkach led going into the final with a 70 qualifying score, but hit a 16 to finish in sixth place.