Austen Smith Wins Her First Olympic Medal: Bronze In Women’s Skeet

Smith has more than 20 international medals to her name, but this is her first from the Olympics.

by posted on August 5, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Austen Smith 2024 Olympics Bronze
Austen Smith after earning a bronze Olympic medal Women’s Skeet at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games August 4.
Photo by Joshua Schave

Austen Smith, of Keller, Texas, has earned Bronze in Women’s Skeet at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in France August 4.

Smith is no stranger to success and the podium. She has more than 20 international medals and is extremely happy to add an Olympic medal to her collection.

“I am elated. I am over the moon and loving every moment of it,” said Smith. “Just to have an Olympic medal is my dream.”

Smith is coached by four-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock. Hancock earned his fourth gold in Men’s Skeet at the Paris Games August 3.

Smith made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 where she placed 10th overall. When asked what changed for her between Tokyo and Paris, she spoke about improving her mental game.

“I did a lot of mental training actually,” said Smith, who currently attends the University of Texas at Arlington. “Back then I relied a lot on my emotions, especially during major matches. I definitely focused more on that and making sure I am thinking the right things every single time I step in the station.”

Smith shot an overall qualification score of 122/125. She tied Amber Rutter, of Great Britain, in qualifications and then won a 14-point shoot-off, earning herself the number one bid for the final. In the final, Smith bested Vanessa Hockova of Slovakia, who placed fourth. You can see all the official results here.

Dania Vizzi, of Odessa, Florida, also competed in Women’s Skeet at the Paris Games. She made her Olympic debut and finished 12th with a score of 118/125. See the official results here.

Follow @USAShooting on InstagramFacebook, and X to stay up to date as the team competes in Paris 2024.

Latest

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.