Vincent Hancock, Aeriel Skinner and Amber English display their hardware at the World Cup Final
Aeriel Skinner (Jackson, Calif.) won the gold medal in women’s trap on Saturday as Team USA notched three podium finishes at the International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup Shotgun Final in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Joining Skinner on the podium wearing the Stars and Stripes were Vincent Hancock (Fort Worth, Texas) and Amber English (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Hancock claimed the silver medal in men’s skeet while English earned the bronze medal in women’s skeet.
Skinner and teammate Ashley Carroll (Solvang, Calif.) both qualified for the women’s trap finals. Carroll completed qualifications with a 120/125, tying her for fourth, while Skinner was sixth heading into the finals with a 119/120. In the final, Skinner bested Australia’s Laetisha Scanlan for the gold, while Italy’s Alessia Iezzi took the bronze. Carroll finished fifth.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be representing Team USA on the podium today at the World Cup final,” said Skinner. “This match overall has been a great experience for me. I am grateful to have been fighting for a chance to make it in final as well as earn a medal, shooting with some of the world’s best shooters. It makes it extra special when you get to compete alongside your teammate Ashley who has a great match. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than with bringing home a gold medal. I am already looking forward to starting training for next year’s events.”
In the men’s skeet qualification, Hancock was one of five athletes finishing with 124/125. After a shoot-off for bib order, Hancock emerged with bib #1 after going 56 targets to claim it. Four additional shooters shot
