Rutter claims shooting silver three months after becoming a mum

Shooting 04 Aug 24

Amber Rutter made history by winning women’s skeet silver, just three months after becoming a mother for the first time.

Rutter lost out in a nerve-wracking shoot-off to Francisca Crovetto Chadid of Chile, after both shot 55 in the final.

Her medal marks Britain’s first in the discipline since the debut of a specific women's competition at Sydney 2000 and was Rutter’s first competition since giving birth to son Tommy in April. 

"I do truly believe that I hit that last target, but to come away with a silver medal anyway is something I’m so proud of and that I didn’t even think would be possible," she said.

"The fact I’m sat here, with a silver medal, I’m just so proud of my result and how far I’ve come."

The 26-year-old was competing at her second Games, having made her debut in Rio as a teenager before missing Tokyo 2020 with Covid. 

Bouncing back from that disappointment as well as returning from pregnancy, Rutter was nerveless as she qualified third for the final at Chateauroux. 

The Windsor native missed only five shots in the showpiece, just one of the Olympic record as Crovetto Chadid of Chile faltered, dropping three shots on the final 10 targets to take it to a shoot-off. 

The pair came through six targets tied on five made before Rutter missed her penultimate target while Crovetto Chadid shot clear to take gold. 

The podium was completed by Austen Jewell Smith of the USA as Rutter was reunited with her son before receiving her medal.

"It really does feel like a marathon in this event," she said.

"So even when you get to the end and secure that medal, it is a feeling like no other.

"Then to turn around and see my son there and my husband, he completely surprised me, I had no idea he was coming.

"The fact I was able to celebrate with him. Tommy might not be able to remember it, but it’s a moment in time that I will certainly remember and I know James, my husband, will too."

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