I don't know how many are aware how demanding this sport is but this is a truly spectacular result for a 16 yr old, especially against the world class Indian team.

Just goes to show, it is not 'role models' youth need, it is some family support and access to facilities.

"Alethea Sedgman has claimed Australia's first shooting gold medal of the Delhi Commonwealth Games with victory in the women's 50m rifle three positions event.

The Melbourne 16-year-old scored 676.0 to win from Singaporean duo Xiang Ser (672.6) and Aqilah Sudhir (671.3)."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/07/3032383.htm

Some background on Alethea,
http://www.mailtimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/alethea-sedgman-to-take-on-world-best/1827663.aspx

I did small bore shooting when I was at school. Wasn't easy. Congrats to her.

That's good to know StG

>>I did small bore shooting when I was at school.<<

A skill that would be extremely useful, if you were ever to meet Tom Cruise.

StG,

Yes, once only the Cadets had the option, but now the availability of small bore and air rifle ranges in (mainly private) schools give those students who do not wish to pick up a hockey stick or put footy boots on an interest where they can compete with themselves or others as is their choice.

Plenty of skills to develop, not the least being personal control and concentration.

It is remarkable that a 16yr old has been able to develop the body control and discipline necessary for international competition, let alone win a gold medal.

More Gold!

The women (one a 20yr old) have done it again,

http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2010/10/08/3033697.htm?site=commonwealthgames/2010

Good on her. A winner is a winner, no matter the sport or the forum. And to be a winner usually requires a lot of work. Once again, good on her.

Oh come on Pericles, it's not often you meet someone of his calibre.

I shot small-bore at school and for some time after before moving to centrefire calibres. A .22 target rifle is an incredibly sensitive piece of kit, demanding icy control and intense concentration to manage, let alone master. A properly set-up small-bore rifle has a hair-trigger that will literally respond to a touch - even a strong puff of breath is enough in some cases. One needs acute awareness of the wind, one's breathing, even an awareness of and an accommodation to one's pulse can be critical to achieving best results. To see a 16 year old able to control her body and mind well enough to win gold is staggering.

I was much better at shooting larger calibres over longer ranges using sporting and military rifles, which tolerate somewhat less delicate handling.

My hat's off to the girls.

Congratulations Alethea.

Takes a lot of skill and dedication to acheive that standard.

Shows that not all the young spend all their time on computers.

Well done and congrats to the lady shottees as well.