Adriana Ruano, a sport shooter, made history by becoming Guatemala's first-ever Olympic gold medalist during the women's trap event at Paris 2024. Not only did Ruano secure this monumental victory for her country, but she also set a new Olympic record with her impressive 45 hits in the event.
This achievement marks Guatemala's third Olympic medal and their second at Paris 2024, following the bronze won by male shooter Jean Pierre Brol in the men's trap event. Ruano, a 29-year-old from Guatemala City, experienced an emotional moment during the award ceremony as she held a photo of her late father, who passed away in 2021. The photograph shows her father giving her a kiss, a memory she cherished as she stood proudly with her gold medal.
Ruano began her journey in sport shooting at the end of 2012, after initially pursuing artistic gymnastics. A severe spinal injury forced her to abandon gymnastics just as she was aiming for a spot in the London 2012 Olympics. In a twist of fate, she participated in the Rio 2016 Games as a volunteer in the shooting range, according to the Olympics.com website.
With this gold medal, Adriana Ruano joins a very select group of Central American women who have won Olympic medals.
Guatemala's Historic Olympic Achievement at Paris 2024
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Guatemala's historic moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Adriana Ruano's milestone achievement.
Who is Adriana Ruano?
Adriana Ruano is a sport shooter from Guatemala who made history by winning the country's first Olympic gold medal in the women's trap event at Paris 2024.
What record did Adriana Ruano set at Paris 2024?
Adriana Ruano set a new Olympic record with 45 hits in the women's trap event.
How did Adriana Ruano start her career in sport shooting?
Adriana Ruano began her sport shooting career in 2012 after a severe spinal injury ended her pursuit of artistic gymnastics. She later volunteered at the Rio 2016 Olympics in the shooting range.