Kayle Browning started 2026 the same way she finished the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Shotgun—on top.
Browning, who is sponsored by Federal Ammunition, won the women’s trap gold medal after a perfect final, moving from fourth place in qualification to the top of the podium at the ISSF-sanctioned event in the United Arab Emirates. The competition ran January 22-31 at the Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club in Al Ain City and drew 165 trap and skeet athletes from 26 countries.
Browning qualified with a score of 114, then went a flawless 30-for-30 in the final to pass Italy’s Jessica Rossi and Poland’s Sandra Bernal for the win.
The 33-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist called the performance a confidence boost early in the year.
“What a way to start off 2026,” Browning said. “This shoot exceeded any expectations I had. Being able to put into actions the things I have been practicing at home into a competition setting and have it pay off is one of the most rewarding things as an athlete.”
Team USA added more hardware across the range. In men’s skeet, Christian Elliott earned gold after winning a shoot-off against Egypt’s Azmy Mehelba. Four-time Olympic champion and 2026 NRA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award winner Vincent Hancock finished with bronze.
In women’s skeet, Samantha Simonton captured silver, breaking 31 targets in the final to finish four behind Finland’s Marjut Heinonen.
Derrick Mein rounded out the U.S. finals appearances with a fifth-place finish in the men’s trap, posting 11 targets.
Complete results from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Shotgun are available online at shootingsportscloud.com. Fans can learn more about the athletes and programs by visiting USA Shooting’s website.
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