Paris Olympics: Shooting duo named to represent New Zealand at Paris Games

Chloe Tipple.
Chloe Tipple. Photo credit: Getty Images

Chloe Tipple and Owen Robinson have been announced as the two shooting athletes to represent New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.

Skeet shooter Tipple will compete at her third consecutive Olympics, after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, while Robinson will make his Games debut.

A 20-year veteran of the sport, Robinson clinched his spot in France with victory at last year's Oceania Championship. He will compete in the men's trap.

"It's been such a long journey to make this happen," said Robinson. "I've been trying to make the Olympic team for 12 years and I've been so close to making it previously, but just missed out.

"For it to finally be happening is pretty special."

Tipple has been busy juggling Olympics qualification with a hectic personal life, which has included marrying her partner. She placed 13th at Rio  and 27th at Tokyo.

"It's been crazy," Tipple said.  "I'm also meant to be moving house, which I've actually delayed.

"It's been a lot, but I'm so happy to be here. This season has been all about balance.

"The fact that I get to represent New Zealand on the world stage is so surreal. If you could tell 15-year-old Chloe that she'd be going to her third Olympics, she wouldn't believe you."

Next week, both Robinson and Tipple will travel to Italy to compete and train before the start of the Games in late July.