By David Nagel
Berwick hot-shot Laetisha Scanlan will attempt to cap off a fantastic 2022 when she sets her sights on the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President’s Cup in Egypt.
The ISSF President’s Cup takes place from 28 November to 4 December in Cairo, with Scanlan one of only two Australian’s having been invited to compete.
The top 12 ranked athletes in each Olympic event according to the 2022 World Ranking are invited to take part in the competition, with Catherine Skinner (World Number 4), and Scanlan (World Number 7) both invited to compete in the Women’s Trap Event.
Winners of the President’s Cup will receive the Golden Target, the Best Athlete of the Year award.
Scanlan, who won gold, silver and bronze medals in the ISSF World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, in June, is excited to be taking part in the season-ending shootout.
The former St Margaret’s student will take some good form into the event.
“I’m thrilled to be invited to the President’s Cup this year,” Scanlan said.
“Internationally, I started my season poorly so I was happy to pull out some form and consistency towards the latter half of the year to put myself in the top 10.
“I love competing against the top women in the world as it’s a constant challenge to perform at a high level.
“I’m really looking forward to going to Egypt as it’s always been a country on my bucket list to visit.”
Speaking on Australia’s involvement in the President’s Cup, Shooting Australia CEO Adam Sachs said both Skinner and Scanlan would do Australia proud.
“Shooting Australia is delighted that two of our leading athletes’ performances have been recognised through their invitation to the Presidents Cup,” Sachs said.
“We know they will represent Australia with pride as Catherine and Laetisha are provided this terrific opportunity to close out a successful 2022, before their attention returns to continuing on the road to Paris 2024”
Scanlan, the defending champion, was denied the chance for back-to-back crowns at the Commonwealth Games, with shooting not part of the program in Birmingham earlier this year.
But she may set her sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games…to be held in her home state of Victoria.
