Olympic Skeet Final
The ultimate medal round with elimination format
What is Olympic Skeet Final?
The Olympic Skeet Final is the medal round that determines gold and silver medalists in Olympic and ISSF competitions. After 125 targets of qualification, the top six shooters advance to a 25-target elimination final where the pressure is immense and every shot counts.
Unlike qualification rounds where shooters compete in squads, the final features all six competitors shooting simultaneously. After each five targets, the lowest-scoring shooter is eliminated. After 20 targets, only two shooters remain. The final five targets determine who wins gold and who takes silver.
The elimination format creates intense drama and pressure. Shooters must maintain perfect focus while knowing that a single miss could mean elimination. The bronze medal is determined by the qualification score, making consistency throughout the entire competition essential.
History
The elimination final format was introduced to Olympic shooting sports to increase spectator appeal and create more dramatic medal rounds. Prior to this format, medals were determined solely by qualification scores, which could be anticlimactic.
The current format, with six shooters starting the final and elimination after each five targets, was standardized by the ISSF in the early 2000s. This format has become standard for all Olympic shooting disciplines, creating exciting head-to-head competition for medals.
Notable finals have seen dramatic comebacks, heartbreaking misses, and perfect performances under extreme pressure. The format ensures that qualification scores matter, but the final determines who stands on the podium's top step.
Key Characteristics
Elimination Format
Lowest scorer eliminated after each 5 targets
Simultaneous Shooting
All 6 finalists shoot together, creating intense pressure
Medal Determination
Gold/Silver from final, Bronze from qualification score
Extreme Pressure
Every shot matters - one miss can mean elimination
Finals Sequence
Elimination Format
The Olympic Skeet Final consists of 25 targets shot in elimination format. All six finalists shoot simultaneously from the same eight stations used in qualification. The format creates intense pressure as shooters know that every miss could mean elimination.
Elimination Schedule
Targets 1-5
All 6 shooters compete. After 5 targets, lowest scorer eliminated (5 remain)
Targets 6-10
5 shooters compete. After 10 targets, lowest scorer eliminated (4 remain)
Targets 11-15
4 shooters compete. After 15 targets, lowest scorer eliminated (3 remain)
Targets 16-20
3 shooters compete. After 20 targets, lowest scorer eliminated (2 remain)
Targets 21-25
Final 2 shooters compete. After 25 targets, highest scorer wins gold, second place wins silver
Shooting Sequence
- • All 6 shooters start at Position 1
- • Each shooter fires 1 target from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 1 target
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • After 5 targets, elimination occurs
- • Process repeats until 2 shooters remain
- • Final 5 targets determine gold and silver
Tie-Breaking Rules
- • If tied after 5 targets, shoot-off targets determine elimination
- • Shoot-off continues until one shooter misses
- • In final 5 targets, ties broken by shoot-off
- • Bronze medal: highest qualification score among eliminated finalists
Medal Determination
- • Gold Medal: Highest score after 25 targets in final
- • Silver Medal: Second highest score after 25 targets in final
- • Bronze Medal: Highest qualification score among the 4 shooters eliminated in final
- • Qualification scores carry over - they determine bronze and tie-breakers
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. Scores are cumulative throughout the final. After each 5 targets, the shooter with the lowest cumulative score is eliminated.
Cumulative Scoring
Scores accumulate throughout the final - not reset after each elimination
Elimination Points
After targets 5, 10, 15, and 20, lowest scorer eliminated
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement target
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge only (maximum 24.5mm bore diameter)
Ammunition
Max 24.5g (7/8 oz) shot. #7.5 or #8 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until target appears - "low gun" position
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
Up to 110 km/h (68 mph) target speed
Distance
70-75 meters when broken
Angle
Random left/right up to 45° from center
Final-Specific Rules
All shooters shoot simultaneously from same positions
Elimination occurs after each 5 targets
Ties broken by shoot-off targets
Bronze medal determined by qualification score
Scores displayed publicly after each target
Shotgun Selection
Olympic Skeet Final requires the same specialized equipment as qualification. Over/under shotguns are standard, with adjustable stocks and premium barrels designed for consistent performance under pressure.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Type: Over/under (required for ISSF competition)
- • Gauge: 12 gauge only
- • Barrel Length: 76cm (30 inches) typical
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified
- • Weight: 3.5-4.0 kg (7.7-8.8 lbs)
- • Stock: Fully adjustable comb, butt plate, and length
Ammunition
ISSF Regulations
- • Shot Weight: Maximum 24.5g (7/8 oz)
- • Shot Size: #7.5 or #8 typical
- • Velocity: 390-400 m/s typical
- • Case Length: 70mm maximum
- • Shot Material: Lead or approved alternatives
Consistency Critical
- • Use same ammunition as qualification
- • Premium loads for pattern consistency
- • Tested and proven in practice
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
ISSF-approved shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently
Mental Preparation
Final requires extreme mental toughness - prepare mentally as well as physically
Popular Shotgun Models
Perazzi MX8/MX12
Over/under - Olympic standard, highly customizable
Krieghoff K-80
Over/under - Premium choice, tournament favorite
Beretta DT11
Over/under - Reliable, popular with international shooters
Blaser F3
Over/under - German engineering, excellent balance
Organizations
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
The governing body for Olympic Skeet worldwide. ISSF sets rules for finals format, sanctions competitions, and organizes Olympic qualification events.
Visit ISSF Website →National Federations
Each country has a national shooting federation (e.g., USA Shooting, British Shooting) that organizes domestic competitions and selects Olympic teams.
Major Tournaments
Olympic Games
Every 4 years - The ultimate competition with elimination final
ISSF World Championships
Annual - World's top shooters compete with elimination final
ISSF World Cup
Multiple events annually - Olympic qualification points, elimination final
European Championships
Annual - European competition with elimination final
Qualification to Final
Shoot Qualification
125 targets over 5 rounds - consistency is key
Top 6 Advance
Highest 6 scores from qualification advance to final
Final Round
25 targets with elimination after each 5 targets
Medal Determination
Gold/Silver from final, Bronze from qualification score
Finals Strategy
One Target at a Time
Don't think about elimination or medals. Focus only on the current target. Each shot is independent - treat it that way.
Ignore Other Shooters
Don't watch scores or other shooters. Focus on your own performance. You can't control what others do.
Stick to Routine
Use the same routine as qualification. Don't change anything. Consistency is your friend under pressure.
Mental Reset
After each elimination point, reset mentally. Forget what happened before. Focus on the next 5 targets.
Pressure Management
Breathing Techniques
Control breathing between targets. Deep breaths help manage pressure
Visualization
Visualize successful shots before each target. See yourself breaking the target
Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. "I can do this" not "Don't miss"
Common Mistakes
Watching Scores
Don't watch the scoreboard - focus on your shooting
Changing Routine
Stick to what got you to the final - don't change anything
Thinking Ahead
Don't think about medals or elimination - one target at a time
Rushing
Pressure can cause rushing - maintain your normal pace
Dwelling on Misses
Forget misses immediately - they're in the past, focus on next target
Practice Tips
Simulate Pressure
Practice with consequences - create pressure situations in training
Mental Training
Work with sports psychologist on pressure management and mental toughness
Routine Consistency
Develop and stick to a pre-shot routine that works under pressure
Experience
Shoot as many finals as possible - experience is the best teacher
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