There are gold medals, and then there are gold medal moments—those indelible flashes of glory that live far beyond the awards ceremony. At the inaugural IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot held in Znojmo, Czech Republic, this past May, Team USA garnered more than its fair share of both.
Against a talented field of more than 1,000 top-tier competitors from 54 countries, the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) delegation delivered a dazzling showcase of marksmanship, teamwork and depth. It was a dominant international debut at this format’s world championship, and U.S. shooters seized the spotlight with a medal count that told only part of the story.
Held May 12–25, the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot was more than just a test of speed and accuracy—it was a relentless marathon of marksmanship focus. Thirty stages across multiple rifle divisions demanded every ounce of technical skill and mental endurance from athletes who had traveled halfway around the world to prove themselves. For Team USA, the mission was clear: represent the red, white and blue with distinction. Mission accomplished.
PODIUM POWER
Team USA walked away with four gold medals in team categories, headlined by a dominant run in the PCC Optics Overall Team division. Gold medals also came in the PCC Lady, Super Senior and Iron Sight team competitions. With competitors ranging from seasoned legends to rising juniors, the depth of American talent on display was unmistakable.
And on the individual side, the stars aligned.
Jerry Miculek, a name synonymous with competitive shooting royalty, added another chapter to his legendary career by winning gold in the PCC Optics Grand Senior category. Meanwhile, Justine Williams soared to the top of the PCC Optics Lady division leaderboard for a gold medal, then doubled down with a top 10 finish in the overall standings—shooting shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s elite competitors.
Youth was also served in Znojmo. Migz Valencia brought home gold in the Junior PCC Optics division, while Sophia Byrum topped the PCC Optics Super Junior category. In Mini Rifle Open, AJ Anthony turned heads with a commanding gold-medal performance. Not to be outdone, Brian Nelson closed out the medal haul with a win in PCC Irons—a division known for punishing mistakes and rewarding precision.
CHASE FOR THE CROWN
Though Slovakia’s Pavol Zencar claimed the PCC Optics title with a score of 2509, the Americans were in the thick of the fight from the first shot to the last. Max Leograndis clinched silver with 2497 points, just a dozen points shy of the top spot. Additionally, Kyle Litzie, Zack Smith and Scott Greene all cracked the top 10 in PCC Optics, affirming that American shooters aren’t just collecting medals—they’re setting the pace.
From a USPSA press release: “Overall, the American teams did exceptionally well. Our athletes demonstrated incredible discipline and drive. This was a victory not only for those standing on the podium but for the entire USPSA community,” Leighton Oosthuisen, Regional Director-USA said. “These results underscore the strength and future of competitive shooting in the U.S., and we’re honored to celebrate this world-class achievement.”
STARS AND STRIPES, RISING
The numbers alone are staggering: 87 American competitors crossed the Atlantic for this event, the largest-ever U.S. contingent to an international practical shooting match outside of North America. But more impressive than the roster size was the way it gelled into something greater—a true team.
For longtime competitors like Fiocchi USA’s Dianna Muller and Lanny Barnes, the moment was especially sweet. Muller earned silver in both individual and team competition in the Senior Ladies category, calling the performance “mission accomplished” after six grueling days of nearly flawless execution. Barnes, part of the gold-winning Ladies PCC team, finished seventh individually and praised her teammates’ grit as the deciding factor in their runaway win.
“Over 1,000 points separated us from the next country,” Barnes noted. “This was a team victory through and through. Preparation, precision, trust—that’s what made the difference.”
Their performance may not have broken records, but it raised the bar.
“We are thrilled for Di and Lanny’s success. These ladies are dedicated, talented and hardworking. They compete hard and represent the United States, the industry and Fiocchi of America well. We are proud to support them and have them on our team,” Fiocchi Marketing Manager Holly Hammond said.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
With global interest in practical shooting growing and new divisions like Pistol-Caliber Carbine and Mini Rifle gaining traction, the significance of this inaugural IPSC World Shoot can’t be overstated. It wasn’t just a proving ground for talent; it was a statement about where the sport is headed—and how Team USA is positioned to lead the way.
Behind every medal was a support network of coaches, sponsors, volunteers and local clubs. The path to the podium began months, even years earlier, in training bays across the U.S., where fundamentals were honed and champions quietly built. These athletes didn’t just arrive in Znojmo—they earned their way.
As the American flag rose above multiple podiums throughout the competition, it became clear that the USPSA’s model of development is delivering results on the world stage. Plus, with more international matches in the pipeline, the message to the rest of the globe is loud and clear: the U.S. isn’t just participating. It’s competing. And it’s winning.
For a sport where precision is everything, Team USA just hit dead center.
See the full results of the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot here.
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