Amber Rutter Secures Silver Amidst Controversy at Paris 2024 Olympics

Amber Rutter captured the silver medal in the women’s skeet shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking an impressive comeback just three months after giving birth. The Team GB star’s historic achievement as the first British woman to win an Olympic shooting medal was tinged with controversy when a lack of video replays overshadowed her moment.

Rutter, competing at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, delivered a remarkable performance but found herself amid an extraordinary refereeing controversy. In a dramatic turn of events, she was ruled to have missed her ninth shot in a sudden-death shoot-off against Chile’s Francisca Crovetto Chadid for gold. The absence of video replays—a standard feature at other international shooting events—meant that Rutter's appeal against the decision could not be reviewed. This led to Crovetto Chadid clinching gold and Rutter having to settle for silver.

“It’s clearly a hit,” fumed Rutter’s coach, Richard Brickell. “Everyone knew it was a hit—except the judges. It’s a big mistake for such an important medal.” Brickell voiced hopes that future competitions will always use video replays to ensure fairness.

Her journey to Paris was a testament to her determination. Rutter, who had not competed for over a year, returned to training in June after a hiatus following the birth of her son, Tommy. Her husband, James, managed to surprise her by secretly flying to Paris, a gesture Rutter deeply appreciated as she celebrated her medal.

The medal also carried emotional weight for Rutter, who had been encouraged into the sport by her late grandfather. “He always wanted to see me win an Olympic medal,” Rutter said. “Though he’s not here, I know he’s watching and cheering from above.”

As Rutter continues to balance her sporting career with family life, she hopes to inspire other mothers to pursue their passions without compromise.