Source: Xinhua

08-09-2008 11:33

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Czech markswoman Katerina Emmons led all the way to snatch the gold medal in women's 10-meter air rifle, the first gold of the Beijing Olympics.

Markswoman Katerina Emmons of Czech celebrates after women's 10m air  rifle final awarding ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games at Beijing  Shooting Range Hall in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. Katerina Emmons  won the gold medal in the event with 503.5 points. (Xinhua/Bao Feifei)

    Emmons' winning total of 503.5 points also improved the Olympic record of the discipline by a margin of 1.5 points.

    Among the slowest to finish, the 25-year-old blonde equaled world record of qualification round with a perfect 400 points. In the ten-shot final, she did well at the beginning but lapsed at the third shot with a 9.7 points.

Markswoman Katerina Emmons (C) of Czech celebrates with her coach  after women's 10m Air rifle final of Beijing Olympic Games at Beijing  Shooting Range Hall in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Ga)

　
　However, the Athens Olympic bronze medalist managed to adjust herself quickly to follow with a 10.9, which incurred thunderous applauses.

    Always the last to open fire, Emmons scored the following five shots above ten.

    Although she finished her impressive performance with a 9.9 at last shot, it was high enough to ensure her a first Olympic gold.

    Sheding tears in excitement, the pretty shooter turned around to embrace and kiss her husband, American shooter and Olympic champion Matthew Emmons, who had been watching behind her throughout the qualification and the final.

Markswoman Katerina Emmons of Czech prepares for  competition during women's 10m Air rifle final of  Beijing Olympic Games at Beijing Shooting Range  Hall in Beijing, China, Aug. 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Jiao Weiping)

    "It was a real break," she said emotionally.

    "The competition was hard for all of us. I am glad it is over," added the champion.

    Talking about her husband, the girl had happiness written on her face.

    "It was great to have him here," she beamed, "We played as a team, maybe one of the best."