Key points:
- Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson has won silver in the R4 Air Rifle ‘Standing’ event in the World Shooting Para Sport New Delhi World Cup.
- Both Johnson and teammate Paralympian #204 Greg Reid have earned slots for New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
- If selected, Johnson could become a six-time Paralympian – only the second New Zealander to reach this incredible milestone.
New Zealand could have two more Paralympians on the Team at Paris 2024 following exceptional performances this week from Shooting Para sport athletes.
The five-strong team have truly hit the mark at the World Shooting Para Sport New Delhi World Cup this week. Paralympians Michael Johnson and Greg Reid earned Paralympic slots through their performances.
Silver for Mike Johnson
Waiuku-based Johnson made the podium in the R4 Air Rifle ‘Standing’ event, claiming silver – and a slot for New Zealand in Paris later this year. He’s thrilled with the achievement:
“It’s been an amazing couple of days. I came away with the silver medal and with that silver medal came the quota. I’ve now got two more events, and I’m looking forward to trying to win some more medals for New Zealand!”
Injured in a motor accident aged 22, Johnson competes in the SH2 sports class. This is designated to athletes with impairment to the upper limbs. He has medalled at three Paralympic Games, including claiming gold at Athens 2004.
‘Great day’ for Greg Reid at New Delhi World Cup
Reid’s result – 9th out of a field of 59 – came in the R3 Air Rifle ‘Prone’ event. It was enough to earn a Paralympic slot, in what the Wairarapa Paralympian describes as a “great day”.
“I’m really happy to achieve a slot. It’s been a wee while coming. I’ve been out of the Games now for eight years since competing in Rio 2016. I feel really fortunate. I’ll be celebrating tonight with an extra ration of chocolate!”
Reid, who is a right leg amputee, competes in the SH1 sports class.
From here, Johnson and Reid must now be nominated to be considered for selection to the New Zealand Paralympic Team, and selected by the PNZ Selection Panel. If selected, Johnson could become a six-time Paralympian. To date, only one New Zealander has achieved that phenomenal milestone. This was the late Graham Condon QSM, who did so in the 1980s.
Competition continues in New Delhi for the five-strong Kiwi team, with all the Para athletes delivering strong results. Para athletes Natalie Brunzel and Kiranjit Singh came extremely close to the podium in the R11 Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle Standing event, giving their Indian hosts a run for their money. Para athlete Neelam O’Neill will today contest her preferred P2 10m Air Pistol event. The final events take place through New Zealand’s night on Thursday.
