Paralympic shooters to honour Adams

Australia's Paralympic shooters say they will dedicate their Rio performances to late teammate Ashley Adams, who died in Marsh last year.

Six Australian shooters heading to the Rio Paralympics will dedicate their success to late five-time Paralympian teammate Ashley Adams.

South Australian Libby Kosmala will headline the team for her 12th Games, joined by London 2012 bronze medallist Natalie Smith.

Paralympians Luke Cain and Bradley Mark, and debutants Anton Zappelli and Christopher Pitt complete the team.

Head coach Miro Sipek says the squad was quick to unite after Adams died in a motorcycle accident on his farm in Queensland in March last year.

"We lost Ashley Adams, one of our best athletes, our best friend and a unique person loved by all the athletes from around the world," he said.

"We are dedicating our success and medals to Ash, and I'm sure his spirit will lead our athletes to give their very best in Rio."

Adams had acquired his disability in a similar incident in 1982, when he crashed his motorbike during a race and broke his back, paralysing him instantly.

He went on to represent Australia at five Paralympics and had already earned a quota spot for what would have been a sixth Paralympic campaign at the 2016 Rio Games.

"Our overall goal is to make four or more finals and come out with one or two medals," Mr Sipek said.

Australia has won 25 shooting medals at the Paralympics, with Kosmala winning the country's first gold in Montreal 40 years ago.

With nine gold medals to her name, the 73-year-old will be the oldest athlete to compete in Brazil in September.

"It feels great to be selected to my 12th Games. I still have that fire in my belly, I still love competition," Kosmala said.

"I along with the rest of the team will be aiming for gold."


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Source: AAP



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