A memorable closing to the 55th World Military Shooting Championship
ELVERUM (NOR) - Norway once again captivated the home crowd by dominating the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Women individual and team events. Jenny Østre Stene set a new individual championship record with 594 points, a mark quickly matched by teammate Jeanette Hegg Duestad. Together with Mari Løvseth, the trio delivered a team total of 1780 points, setting yet another championship record. Switzerland and Poland rounded out the podium.
In the 300m Rapid Fire Rifle Men, it was another thrilling showdown. Norway’s team of Rasmus Løberg, Odd Arne Brekne, and Hans Kristian Wear secured gold with a record-breaking 1722 points, narrowly surpassing Switzerland. Switzerland’s Gilles Dufaux earned individual glory, setting a new championship record of 586 points.
In the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol individual final, South Korea's CPL Sang Min Lee delivered a standout performance under pressure, claiming gold with a sharp 589-32x. Lee's consistency and calm execution across all time series (10s, 8s, 6s) gave him the edge in a tightly contested field.
France’s Jean Quiquampoix, a seasoned shooter and Olympic medalist, came within a single point of gold, finishing with 588-25x to secure silver. China’s SSGT Zhu Bowen followed closely behind with 586-19x, earning the bronze medal.
On the women's side, Germany’s OR7 Sandra Reitz led the field with an impressive 584-19x, securing gold after three dominant series. Her control and precision, particularly in the 10-second and 8-second phases, placed her ahead of the pack from the very start.
France’s Aurélie Giraud demonstrated consistency and resilience to claim silver with 582-17x, while Wang Huanhuan from China earned the bronze with 581-25x, narrowly missing second place despite registering the highest number of inner tens (25x) among the top three.
The day culminated in a solemn yet celebratory Closing Ceremony at Terningen Arena. Delegations, athletes, and guests gathered in military service dress to honor the competition’s conclusion. A concert by the Norwegian Home Guard Orchestra set the tone before the athletes were called to attention and the prize-giving began.
CISM Board of Directors Member and Official Representative Major Jan-Henrik Bäck delivered a closing speech that emphasized the values of peace and friendship upheld throughout the championship: “What CISM and all of you have created here is a unique opportunity that embraces our differences. The miracle of CISM lies in its ability to draw strength from the very elements that might otherwise keep us apart,” he said.
Major Bäck praised both the athletes and the organizing team, especially the Norwegian Armed Forces, the local committee, and the international officials who ensured the event’s smooth execution. “Please be sure that the world and CISM are really proud of you,” he concluded before officially declaring the championship closed.
The CISM flag was ceremonially lowered and handed to the Official CISM Representative, marking the end of a memorable and historic edition of the Military World Shooting Championship.
With multiple records shattered and friendships forged across borders, the 55th edition in Elverum will be remembered as a landmark celebration of military sport, skill, and solidarity.
See all results from Day 5: https://www.wmcshooting25.com/our-ranges/
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
