World Championship gold to Sweden at last

By: Mats Carlsson, PIC WMSC 2008. – 21 September 2008 kl: 07.51
Last updated: 8 July 2013 kl: 14.53
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On Saturday morning Linda Olofsson won a gold medal in the women’s 50-metre rifle event. Gyda E Olssen, Norway, ended on the same score, 580, but because Linda’s last series was better than Gyda’s, Linda was declared the winner.”I was really surprised by this win, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” said a very pleased Linda Olofsson.

Linda Olofsson concentrating before the last deciding shot. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008.
Gyda E Olssen, Norway, being hugged by team leader Stale Larsen after her first individual world championship medal.
Gyda E Olssen, Norway, being hugged by team leader Stale Larsen after her first individual world championship medal. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008.
Gyda E Olssen, Norway, being hugged by team leader Stale Larsen after her first individual world championship medal. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008.

There was stiff competition for the places behind Linda and Gyda. The three following contestants were just one point from victory on 579 points, and the rules gave the bronze to Sylwia Bogacka from Poland.

So in the knife-edge competition in the final, it was Sweden’s Linda who had the strongest nerves when the last round took place.
”My only thought was on hitting the bull’s eye and I managed it,” said Linda.
The other Swedish girls finished outside the top ten. Anna Normann finished 14th having scored 570 and Christina Bengtsson scored 565, which gave her 18th place.

Silver medallist Gyda E Olssen, Norway, was not at all dissatisfied with silver.
”When I realised I would win at least a bronze I was delighted: this is my first individual medal,” Gyda E Olssen added.