An experienced three-strong New Zealand team led by six-time Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson MNZM has been selected to compete at the Changwon 2026 World Shooting Para Sport World Championships in Korea from 7–16 September.
With qualification slots for the LA28 Paralympic Games up for grabs, the event takes on added significance for Johnson and fellow selected athletes Paralympian #204 Greg Reid PLY and #236 Neelam O’Neill.
Kiwi Shooting Para sport icon Johnson boasts a 20-year international career highlighted by a gold medal in the R4 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. The Waiuku-based marksman went on to win bronze in the same event at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, before placing fifth at Paris 2024. He also served further notice of his enduring ability last year by winning a World Cup bronze medal in Al Ain, UAE.
The evergreen 52-year-old begins his campaign in his favoured R4 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 on Thursday 10 September before competing in the R5 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 on Tuesday 15 September.
While Johnson will be chasing medals in Changwon, he will also be aiming to achieve a Minimum Qualification Score (MQS) of 620.0 points as he looks to strengthen his case for a LA28 quota allocation.
Also hoping to strengthen her LA28 prospects will be O’Neill, who competes in both the P2 Women’s Air Pistol SH1 and R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 on Saturday 12 September.
O’Neill made her Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, finishing tenth in the P2 Women’s Air Pistol SH1. The Auckland-based pistol and rifle athlete will be targeting MQS scores of 510.0 and 625.0 points across the two events.
The 35-year-old underwent wrist surgery last December but has worked hard to return to international competition and will be determined to make her mark in Changwon.
O’Neill said: “I’m really happy and incredibly proud to be selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships in Changwon. It’s been a long and challenging road back, so this opportunity means even more to me. I’m excited to get out there, enjoy the experience, compete among the best in the world and see what I can do on the world stage.”
Completing the New Zealand line-up in Changwon is Paralympian #204 PLY Greg Reid. Based in Lower Hutt, Reid competed at both the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and will take to the range in the R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 on Saturday 12 September.
Kristin Farrell, Paralympics NZ Senior Manager Sport and Pathways, said: “PNZ is delighted to select a team of experienced Shooting Para sport athletes who I’m sure will all represent New Zealand with pride in Korea. The trio are all excited to compete on the international stage once again and, with qualification slots up for grabs for LA28, the competition is of huge significance to Michael, Neelam and Greg.
“They have all been training hard and we wish them well for what we know will be an intense competition.”
To follow the live results go here.
