SGT McPhail: Good to be Gold

50m Rifle Prone Men Awards: 2nd Guy STARIK (ISR) 702,2 - 1st Michael MCPHAIL (USA) 702,8 - 3rd Christian PLANER (AUT) 701,5

Sergeant (SGT) Michael McPhail is now an international champion for the first time in 2010. SGT McPhail earned his first World Cup medal—gold—today in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone. McPhail entered the final with an outstanding 599 points, just one point ahead of teammate Matt Emmons. Emmons overtook SGT McPhail heading into the tenth shot, and then marked a disappointing 9.0, which removed him from medal contention. SGT McPhail remained on top, with just six-tenths of a point lead and a final score of 702.8 points. Also competing for the USA was SFC Eric Uptagrafft with 596 points in 11th place.

National Rifle Coach Dave Johnson praised his team as he said, “The guys all shot well in difficult wind conditions. Mike did a great job in the final and absolutely earned his first gold in a commanding performance. Matt was just off the podium this time in prone, but I’m proud of all three guys and the whole team so far in Serbia.”

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Photo courtesy of Marco Dalla Dea (c) 2010 ISSF