U.S. Paralympic Team Shines with Four Medals at WSPS Al Ain 2025 World Cup
By USA Shooting
COLO SPRGS, CO (Nov 11, 2025) – The U.S. Paralympic Team delivered an outstanding performance at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) Al Ain 2025 World Cup, which took place at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates from October 25 to November 5, 2025. Nine talented athletes from Team USA participated—two in pistol competitions and seven in air rifle and smallbore events—culminating in a triumphant haul of four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze. This achievement, alongside multiple top-eight finishes, showcases the team’s growing depth and competitive spirit on the international stage.
Gold for Almlie-Ryan and Hays in Mixed Team Air Rifle
The standout moment for Team USA came when Jazmin Almlie-Ryan and Ben Hays secured the gold medal in the R11 Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 event. In a thrilling final against the United Arab Emirates, the duo exhibited exceptional precision and composure, narrowly edging out their competitors with a score of 16–14. Their dynamic partnership and unwavering focus under pressure proved crucial, amplifying the tension and excitement during one of the most competitive matches of the tournament.
Silver in 50m Rifle Prone SH1 Team
In the R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 Team event, Team USA’s Steven Hutchcraft, Landon Ruggera, and Zach Jackson performed admirably, earning a silver medal with a total team score of 1825.1. They finished just behind Thailand, which scored 1827.6, showcasing their strong performances throughout the match. This podium finish illustrated the team’s commitment to excellence and determination to compete successfully against the world’s best.
Bronze for Ruggera in Individual 50m Rifle Prone
Landon Ruggera added to Team USA’s medal tally by clinching a bronze in the individual R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 event. With a final score of 225.4, Ruggera showcased remarkable skill and resilience, finishing third behind Spain’s Juan Saavedra Reinaldo (silver, 248.4) and Thailand’s Atidet Intanon (gold, 250). His dedication to precision and focus during the competitive rounds underscored his ability to perform under pressure.
Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Team
The R5 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Team, consisting of Jadon Nafziger, Ben Hays, and Jazmin Almlie-Ryan, also secured a bronze medal with a team score of 1893.5. The American trio consistently delivered strong performances, finishing behind Thailand (1904.4) and China (1901.9) in a well-fought series of six rounds. Their collaborative efforts showcased the power of teamwork and the importance of synchronized skill in achieving high performance.
Top-Eight Finishes for Team USA
Beyond their medal successes, several athletes achieved notable top-eight finishes. Zach Jackson finished 5th in the R7 Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, qualifying in 8th place (564-12x) and improving to a 415.7 in the finals. Taylor Farmer placed 8th in the R8 Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, qualifying 8th (561-16x) and concluding with 389.5 in the final. Additionally, Landon Ruggera secured 7th place in the R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1, qualifying second (634.5) and finishing with 145.4 in the final.
Team USA Builds Momentum Toward LA28
The successful results in Al Ain reinforce the U.S. Paralympic Team’s trajectory of growth leading up to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The athletes’ consistent performances across various disciplines in both rifle and pistol sports exemplify their depth of talent and unwavering commitment to long-term success. As they prepare for the upcoming competitions, Team USA’s achievements serve as a testament to their dedication, rigorous training, and collective focus on excellence in the world of competitive shooting.
About USA Shooting
USA Shooting is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to serve as the National Governing Body for Olympic and Paralympic Shooting Sports since April 1995. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, USA Shooting aims to promote growth in the sport and oversees the sanctioning of local and national competitions with a full-time staff dedicated to the development of shooting sports in the U.S.