Korean Shooter Jo Jeongdu Breaks World Record at Home

Two years after winning Korea's first shooting Para sport gold at the Paris Paralympics, Jo Jeongdu made history again on home soil.

The 39-year-old athlete shot an incredible 244.4 in the 10m air pistol event at the World Shooting Para Sport Championships in Changwon. His performance shattered the previous world record by 2.6 points and secured an Olympic quota place for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.

"It's an honor to be world champion at home," said Jeongdu after the competition. Despite the roaring support from local fans, he stayed focused on controlling his game, firing several perfect 10.8 shots throughout the final.

The crowd at Changwon International Shooting Range witnessed more than just one breakthrough moment. Iran's Faezeh Ahmadi delivered her country's first ever gold at a World Championships, winning the women's 10m air pistol event with 238.3 points.

Ahmadi's victory was especially sweet because her fellow Iranian teammate Nasrin Shahi Samakhoun took silver right behind her. The Iranian women's team also set a world record in qualification with a combined score of 1707-44x, showcasing the rising strength of Para sport shooting in their nation.

Slovakia's Veronika Vadovicova added another gold to her impressive collection, claiming her second title in two days. The reigning Paralympic champion scored 254.2 in the rifle event, finishing just one point ahead of Korea's Jinho Park.

Why This Inspires

These athletes prove that excellence knows no boundaries. Jeongdu's world record wasn't just about personal achievement but lifting up his entire nation at home. Ahmadi and her Iranian teammates broke through barriers for women in Para sport, creating a path for future athletes to follow.

After three days of competition, five quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics have been secured. Athletes from Korea, Iran, and Slovakia are heading to the world's biggest stage with dreams fueled by their breakthrough performances in Changwon.

The championships continue with more events ahead, but the message is already clear: Para sport shooting is reaching new heights around the world.