Olympic medals targeted at Sydney ISSF World Cup

The Sydney ISSF World Cup event
24-31 March

The Sydney ISSF World Cup event, shooting's ordained test event before the Olympic Games in September, is set to attract over 700 of the world's best shooters. That will make it almost twice as big as the Olympic Games competition itself, which only has a quota of 410.

The eight-day event is being held 24-31 March at the purpose-built Sydney International Shooting Centre in Liverpool at Cecil Park, the official venue for the Games. As the ISSF World Cup will feature all 17 of the Olympic events, it will be an ideal hit-out for the $30 million venue, which is described as the world's most modern shooting centre.

It's also an excellent opportunity for Olympic hopefuls to acclimatise themselves to Sydney before the main event in September.

An Australian perspective

Michael Diamond won Australia's first Olympic shooting gold medal since 1900 by becoming Olympic champion in the men's trap event in Atlanta in 1996. Only three days later, Australia celebrated another gold medal when Russell Mark won the men's double trap event. Deserie Huddleston also won a bronze medal for Australia in the women's double trap in Atlanta.

The ISSF event will see our two gold medallists, Diamond and Mark, competing in the two main shotgun event — trap and double trap. Deserie Wakefield-Baynes and Nathan Cassells, the junior world trap champion, will also be attending. Susan McCready, at just 18 years old, is another top Australian competitor who will compete.

Competition details

The ISSF World Cup is being held 24-31 March, at the Sydney International Shooting Centre, Liverpool.

Competition Format

The 17 Olympic events are being contested, 10 for men and seven for women. The events include clay target (7), pistol (5), rifle (5), and running target (1).

Detailed competition schedule

See competition schedule.

Participating Countries

Eighty countries are expected to compete.

Participating Athletes

An estimated 714 athletes are expected, 64 of which are Australian, the rest international.

Ticketing

The event is free of charge.

Spectator Transport

Public Transport Options	Train service to Liverpool station
Parking options	Parking at venue, no fee applies