55th WMC Shooting - Summary News
ELVERUM (NOR) - The 55th CISM World Military Shooting Championship concluded in Elverum after five days of world-class competition, marked by historic records, thrilling finishes, and a spirit of unity that reflected CISM’s motto, “Friendship Through Sport.”
The opening ceremony at Terningen Arena set a symbolic tone, with His Majesty The King’s Guard delivering a flawless performance. Championship President Major General Frode Ommundsen and CISM Board Member Major Jan-Henrik Bäck reminded athletes of the deeper mission of military sport: to build peace and cooperation through camaraderie and competition.
From the very first shots, Norway made its intentions clear. The women’s team of Jeanette Hegg Duestad, Mari B. Løvseth, and Jenny Østre Stene struck gold in the 50m Prone event, while the men’s trio of Rasmus Løberg, Hans Kristian Wear, and Odd Arne Brekne captured the 300m Standard Rifle title. Poland, Switzerland, France, and Korea also stood out on the opening day with strong podium finishes.
Day 2 expanded the medal spread as France, Poland, Latvia, and Norway each celebrated victories. Duestad added an individual prone title on home soil, while Poland’s Tomasz Bartnik made history with a rare 590 score in the 300m Rifle 3 Positions event. France’s Mathilde Lamolle swept the Women’s 25m Pistol titles, while Latvia’s men made headlines by winning the 25m Pistol Team gold.
On Day 3, Olympic champion Pavlo Korostylov of Ukraine claimed the Men’s 25m Center Fire Pistol crown, while Lamolle confirmed her dominance with another golden performance, equalling the CISM record in the Women’s 25m Pistol event.
The championship reached new heights on Day 4 when Jenny Østre Stene set a world record of 594 points in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions, immediately matched by teammate Jeanette Hegg Duestad. Together with Mari Løvseth, Norway’s trio posted a team record of 1780 points. More records fell in the 300m Rapid Fire Rifle as Norway and Switzerland traded victories, while Germany and China also took team and individual pistol golds.
The final day crowned additional champions and reinforced Norway’s supremacy. Stene, Duestad, and Løvseth again delivered a record-breaking team performance in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions, while Rasmus Løberg and his teammates won the 300m Rapid Fire Rifle with another championship record. CPL Sang Min Lee of Korea triumphed in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, and Sandra Reitz of Germany captured the women’s gold, ahead of France and China.
The Closing Ceremony at Terningen Arena blended solemnity and celebration, with music by the Norwegian Home Guard Orchestra and speeches honoring the athletes and organizers. Major Bäck praised the event as a “unique opportunity that embraces our differences,” before the CISM flag was lowered to officially close the championship.
With Norway dominating the medal table, multiple world and championship records shattered, and unforgettable displays of precision and discipline, the 55th World Military Shooting Championship in Elverum will be remembered as a historic edition that celebrated not only marksmanship but also international friendship and solidarity.
 | The 55th World Military Shooting Championship opens with ceremony, symbolism and unity in Norway |
 | Thrilling opening day at the 55th World Military Shooting Championship in Elverum |
 | Golden performances light up Day 2 of the 55th World Military Shooting Championship in Elverum |
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 | A memorable closing to the 55th World Military Shooting Championship |
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
