Olympic medalist Amber Rutter returns to shooting to win bronze

Great Britain’s Amber Rutter won bronze at the International Shooting Sport Federation’s Shotgun World Cup as the Olympic medalist returned to international competition for the first time since the birth of her second son.

The 28-year-old, who gave birth in October, came off the back of world-record performances from champion Sara Bongini and silver medalist Victoria Larsson in the ISSF’s new 36-target finals format in Lonato, Italy.

Rutter was named in Team GB’s shooting squad for the Paris Olympics just two months after giving birth and won silver in the women’s skeet final. A shoot-off ended in controversy.

“I’m tired, but it’s good to be back. It wasn’t my easiest race,” he said.

“I was nervous to be back on such a big stage with such a big competitor, and the standards are so high. But I’m very happy to get the bronze medal.

“Three days worth of shooting was more than I’ve done in a while. It was extremely hot, so it was about keeping cool, resetting as much as possible and just trying to focus.

“It’s been a great race, but I’m ready to go home to my boys.”