Denmark’s Grundsoee holds steady for shooting gold
Stephanie Laura Scurrah Grundsoee of Denmark won women’s 10m air rifle gold at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 on Monday 8 October, getting the better of India’s Mehuli Ghosh in a heartstopping finale to a gripping competition.
The Dane trailed her Indian opponent heading into the final two shots, with the gold hanging in the balance. Having ended the qualification round in first place and then put herself in pole position for the title, Ghosh let it slip with a final shot that scored only 9.1 points.
That allowed Grundsoee, who recorded 10.4 with her last shot and had swapped the lead with Ghosh throughout the competition stage, to claim gold with a total of 248.7, just 0.7 points clear of her opponent.
Serbia’s Marija Malic completed the podium at a Parque Sarmiento shooting range that once again drew a large crowd.
“I’m so happy,” said Grundsoee after her dramatic win. “I was second heading into the final shot and despite my nerves and pounding heart I managed to do another good shot. It was an incredible feeling when I realised I’d won. I can’t describe it.
“Not many people shoot in my country,” she added. “I live in Norway because more people shoot there and I can go to school and make use of all the facilities. These Games are very important in my country, and this is just amazing for me.”
Discussing her stay in Buenos Aires so far, Grundsoee said: “I’ve seen a bit of the city. I watched the rowing competition and I’ve been to a few restaurants. This is the first time I’ve been to Argentina and I’m amazed at how friendly the people are. When you think about Argentina, the first thing that usually comes into your head is Lionel Messi.”