Nathan Hales Wins Gold in Men’s Trap Shooting at Paris 2024 Olympics, Sets Olympic Record

Great Britain’s Nathan Hales remained calm and collected, setting an Olympic record in the men's trap shooting competition and winning Team GB’s third gold medal of the Games. Hales, shot 48 out of 50 to beat China's Qi Ying by four shots at the Chateauroux shooting venue, the capital of the French department of Indre. Jean Pierre Brol Cárdenas from Guatemala secured the bronze, marking only the second Olympic medal in his nation's history.

Nathan Hales

Despite being a first-time Olympian, Hales' hopes for a medal were overshadowed by expectations for Tokyo bronze medallist Matt Coward-Holley. However, while Coward-Holley faltered during qualifications, Hales excelled, securing his place in the top-six final. In the final, Hales missed only one of 25 shots in the first phase, leading the rankings by one shot over his Chinese rival. As the final progressed, and the lowest-scoring shooter was eliminated every five shots, Hales maintained his composure, ultimately securing gold with an Olympic record.

Hales credited his success to his rigorous preparation and mental discipline, including sports psychology techniques.

Hales' wife, former GB Olympian shooter Charlotte Kerwood, provided invaluable support and insights throughout his journey. "She’s been able to share some very helpful insights into the thoughts and feelings I was going to experience, so it’s great being in a sport that we both enjoyed together," Hales said.

This victory marks Team GB's third gold medal of the Paris 2024 Games, following titles in Team Eventing (equestrian) and Tom Pidcock's mountain biking triumph. It is Britain's 11th medal overall.