Australia wins its first medal of the Paralympics with shooting bronze

August 30, 2012 Earlier today, Australia earned its first 2012 Summer Paralympics medal when won a bronze medal with a score of 492.4 at the Royal Artillery Barracks in the women's R2-10m air rifle standing  event. The event was the first medal event awarded at the 2012 Games.

Cuiping Zhang of China won gold with a final score of 500.9 which set a new world record. Manuela Schmermund of Germany took home silver with a score of 493.6. Yunri Lee of South Korea finished fourth with a score of 492.3, beating fifth place finisher Thai Wasana Keatjaratkul who had the same score.

Australia's Libby Kosmala, who at 70 years old was competing in her eleventh Paralympic Games, finished eighth with a score of 488.7, several points behind the leaders. Two scores in the 8 range kept her out of the top through all ten rounds.

The final for the men's R2-10m air rifle standing event is scheduled for this afternoon.