Potent wins silver in Rio

NSWIS shooter Warren Potent has claimed a silver medal in the final of the men’s 50m rifle prone at the 2016 ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, the result making it two consecutive silver medals at world cup level for the 54-year-old Sydneysider.  

Following on from second place at the ISSF World Cup event in Bangkok less than two months prior, Potent again found fine form to shoot consistently in Rio and only narrowly missed gold, which was won by Germany’s Henri Junghaenel. 



Potent was optimistic after the event, telling shooting Australia that it was a hard earned result as he looks towards the Olympic Games in August. 


“I feel good,” Potent said. 


“I shot consistently for the whole day and I had to fight in the second half of the final. I’m happy with my performance and proud to be taking home a medal. Looking forward to the Olympics!” 


Come August, Potent will be a member of the Australian Olympic team for a fifth time when he returns to Rio. His best result at an Olympic level was a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. 


NSWIS has three shooters selected for the Olympic games, with Potent to be joined by three-time Olympian Daniel Repacholi who lines up in the men’s 10m air pistol and 50m free pistol, while Olympic debutant James Willett will compete in the men’s double trap. 


A further two athletes will be selected in the Australian Olympic shooting contingent ahead of the Games beginning on August 5.