YanXiao Gong Clenches Silver Medal at Paralympic Video games: First U.S. Paralympic Pistol Medal Since 1984
By Brittany Nelson, USAS Public Relations & Communications Supervisor
CHATEAUROUX, France (Sept. 4, 2024) – YanXiao Gong, of Malibu, California, earned a silver medal in P3 Combined 25m Pistol SH1 on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Video games on the Chateauroux Taking pictures Middle, Sept. 2. Gong’s medal marks the primary Paralympic capturing medal for Group USA on the Paris Video games.
Gong’s medal is the primary male Paralympic medal for the U.S. since 2004 and the primary Paralympic pistol medal for the U.S. since 1984. Gong made his Paralympic debut on the 2020 Tokyo Video games however Paris marks his first medal.
“I feel it’s superior,” stated Brenda Silva, the U.S. Nationwide Paralympic Coach. “He fell a bit of quick in Tokyo and this was his plan all alongside, a bit of redemption. He has positively put within the work and had the psychological recreation for it.”
Gong, the 2023 World Champion in P3, certified for the Paralympic finals after putting fourth within the qualification spherical with a rating of 573-10x. P3 {qualifications} consists of a precision spherical and a speedy hearth spherical. Gong shot a 286 for the precision spherical, which had him sitting in seventh place general. Then after capturing a 287 within the speedy hearth spherical, he moved as much as fourth place. View official qualification scores right here.
Gong, a two-time Parapan American medalist, shot an important remaining on the Video games. The P3 finals consist solely of speedy hearth. Athletes shoot sequence of 5 pictures the place the scores are only a hit and miss. A success is any shot that could be a 10.2 or increased. Over the course of 10 sequence, Gong had 28 complete hits, breaking the Paralympic finals file.
Gong earned his silver medal by besting Jungman Kim, of Korea, who completed third. Gong fell two hits in need of Chao Yang, of China, who earned gold. View official scores of the ultimate right here.
Gong credit many individuals for serving to him obtain Paralympic success. Amongst these is his coach In Kim from the Bridge Taking pictures Group in California. Gong began capturing with the crew when he first began his rehabilitation after he sustained an damage from browsing.
“I really feel extremely proud and impressed by Xiao’s achievement on the Paralympics in Paris,” stated Kim. “His dedication and exhausting work have really paid off, and his profitable a medal is a testomony to his power and resilience.”
Gong has seen plenty of success in his capturing profession his he made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo. He took dwelling three medals on the 2021 World Taking pictures Para Taking pictures (WSPS) Lima World Cup. Then on the 2022 WSPS Peru Grand Prix he earned two extra medals. Gong then took dwelling the world champion title on the 2023 WSPS World Championships.
Shortly after the world championships, Gong earned his two Parapan American medals in Santiago in 2023. When requested if she anticipated Gong to earn a Paralympic medal, Silva talked about how she knew he may obtain the aim.
“Anticipate is a big phrase, however sure,” stated Silva. “I knew he was completely succesful to do it.”
Gong is proud to symbolize the Bridge Taking pictures Group on the Paralympic stage. His former coach, In Kim, echoed this sentiment.
“It’s an immense supply of delight and pleasure for the Bridge Taking pictures Group to have developed a Paralympic medalist,” stated Kim. “This accomplishment displays the crew’s dedication and the unwavering help they’ve offered. Seeing one among our athletes succeed on such a prestigious stage is each rewarding and galvanizing.”
Brent McPherson, a very long time USA Taking pictures workers member, has additionally been capable of coach Gong on his Paralympic journey in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Coaching Middle.
“Xiao is among the most devoted athletes I’ve had the pleasure of understanding,” stated McPherson. “I can’t specific how proud I’m of his accomplishments! His exhausting work and dedication are invigorating! I’m very honored to have shared his journey, and I’m extraordinarily proud to name Xiao an in depth and particular pal.”
Gong can be competing in P4 Combined 50m Pistol in the present day, Sept. 4. View the total schedule of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Video games right here.
View pictures from the Video games right here.
Observe @USAShooting on Instagram, Fb, and X to remain updated because the crew proceed to compete at Paris 2024.
