by Amber Rutter says the International Shooting Sport Federation owes her an apology after she failed to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Rutter had to settle for silver in the women’s skeet final on August 4 after missing a shot, although television replays appeared to show she had grazed the target.
She and her coach protested at the time, and on Tuesday she again called for “fair competition” in her sport – either through improved scoring or the use of VAR technology, which is used in other shooting competitions under the auspices of the International Shooting Sport Federation.
Rutter wrote on Instagram that she did not want to get “drawn into the negativity of what could have been,” but said she felt compelled to speak out to help “instigate change” in her sport.
“I feel I owe it not only to myself but to the entire shooting community to highlight and address the issue,” she said on the social media platform. “Every athlete, especially at the Games, deserves to compete under fair conditions. Be it through experienced and exceptional referees or new technologies such as VAR, which we have always had in place at ISSF competitions so far.”
“At this point, I can’t imagine much being done, and that’s not what I’m looking for. However, I believe some responsibility needs to be taken to acknowledge the wrong decision and apologize for ultimately costing me a chance at an Olympic gold medal. And also, a plan needs to be put in place to prevent something like this from happening in the future.
“There were several occasions during the last day where other shooters had a similar experience to me and I am sure they have the same feelings as me. “It didn’t affect my games, I honestly had no expectations [and] To be honest, I didn’t think I would be able to get through the first day, both physically and mentally, with so little preparation.
“I’m happy to say that it has made the Games shine in a brighter light for me! Now it’s time to be a mother and wife again and enjoy life with a splash of silver.”
The ISSF was asked for comment.
