By USA Shooting
COLO SPRGS, CO (Dec 13, 2025) – The 2025 season for USA Shooting concluded with a remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup Final held in Doha, Qatar, solidifying the U.S. team’s status on the international stage. In an event known for its fiercely competitive fields, Team USA showcased exceptional talent, clinching two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals—an impressive testament to their skill and dedication in trap, skeet, and rifle shooting.
The ISSF World Cup Final is a prestigious event, marking the finale of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) calendar. Entry is reserved for only the top-performing athletes, who qualify through victories, world rankings, championship podiums, or past titles. The Doha venue demanded peak performance from the outset with its tight qualification series and rapid elimination formats. Team USA athletes responded to the challenge with remarkable poise and focus.
As the competition unfolded, several U.S. athletes were recognized not only for their impressive performances but also for their consistent contributions throughout the season. Samantha Simonton was honored as the 2025 Women’s Shotgun Athlete of the Year, backed by her remarkable victory as the Skeet World Champion and a silver medal in Doha. Vincent Hancock, similarly recognized as the 2025 Men’s Shotgun Athlete of the Year, capped off a historic season which included his fifth consecutive Skeet World Champion title along with a silver medal in the final. Their accolades illuminate the resilience and depth of the U.S. shotgun program as it heads into 2026.
Shotgun: Six Medals and Multiple Finalists
Men’s Trap: Hinton Wins Gold, Eller Adds Bronze
Will Hinton concluded his season on a monumental high, leading qualification with an impressive 122 out of 125 targets. He carried this momentum into the finals, ultimately claiming gold with a stellar performance of 29 out of 30 in the final series. This victory marked Hinton’s first World Cup Final title, elevating his standings significantly in the world rankings.
Glenn Eller joined Hinton on the podium, qualifying with 119 out of 125 targets and scoring 23 out of 30 in the final to take home the bronze. Their joint success spotlighted the continuous strength of Team USA in men’s trap shooting.
Men’s Skeet: All-American Podium Sweep
In an exceptional display of teamwork and individual prowess, Team USA swept the men’s skeet event from start to finish. Christian Elliott qualified 8th with a score of 120 out of 125 and delivered a flawless performance in the final, scoring 36 out of 36 to secure his first World Cup Final gold. Meanwhile, Vincent Hancock, also recently named 2025 Shotgun Athlete of the Year, entered the final as the top seed following a perfect qualification score of 125. He clinched silver with a nearly perfect 35 out of 36 in the final round.
Dustan Taylor also made his mark, advancing through qualification in 2nd place with 123 out of 125 and holding his ground to finish with a bronze, scoring 31 out of 36. This remarkable performance highlighted the depth of talent within the American ranks in men’s skeet.
Women’s Skeet: Simonton Takes Silver; Vizzi and Rhode Final
Samantha Simonton demonstrated her consistency throughout the season, qualifying for the final in 8th place with a score of 117 out of 125. She surged through the final, capturing silver with an impressive 34 out of 36, adding another highlight to her extraordinary year.
Dania Vizzi qualified 5th (118 out of 125), maintaining competitiveness until the midpoint of the final before finishing in 5th place. Veteran shooter Kim Rhode also made her mark, qualifying in 7th (118 out of 125) and finishing in 7th overall, demonstrating her enduring strength and stability on the world stage.
Women’s Trap
While Carey Garrison competed in women’s trap and narrowly missed advancing to the final, she nonetheless exemplified the tenacity present in the U.S. shooting team.
Rifle: Maddalena and Tucker Reach Season-End Finals
Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Sagen Maddalena made an impressive showing in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, qualifying for the final with a score of 591. Throughout the finals, she maintained her composure through the kneeling and prone stages, ultimately finishing in 8th place after the standing stage.
Women’s 10m Air Rifle
Mary Tucker secured her spot in the final with a qualification score of 631, placing herself in the thick of the competition. However, she finished in 8th, adding another high-pressure final to her extensive resume, a mark of her competitive spirit.
Medal Summary 2025 ISSF World Cup Final (Doha)
- Will Hinton – Gold, Men’s Trap
- Glenn Eller – Bronze, Men’s Trap
- Christian Elliott – Gold, Men’s Skeet
- Vincent Hancock – Silver, Men’s Skeet
- Dustan Taylor – Bronze, Men’s Skeet
- Samantha Simonton – Silver, Women’s Skeet
Team USA concluded the year on a high note, reinforcing their global prominence with top world rankings in both rifle and shotgun disciplines. In rifle, Sagen Maddalena is currently positioned at No. 5 in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, while Mary Tucker holds the No. 12 spot in Women’s 10m Air Rifle. The shotgun standings are even more impressive: Will Hinton emerged as the No. 1 Men’s Trap athlete, with Glenn Eller closely following at No. 3. Christian Elliott leads the Men’s Skeet rankings at No. 1, with Vincent Hancock at No. 2 and Dustan Taylor at No. 14. On the women’s side, Samantha Simonton wraps up 2025 as the top-ranked Women’s Skeet athlete, complemented by Dania Vizzi at No. 6 and Kim Rhode at No. 10.
As the last international targets and clays of 2025 recede into the past, Team USA shifts focus to offseason training and preparation for the upcoming 2026 international circuit, all the while laying the groundwork towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
All photo credit to ISSF.
About USA Shooting
USA Shooting, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic Shooting Sports in April 1995. The organization is dedicated to developing and implementing programs that promote growth in the sport while serving as a sanctioning body for local and national competitions. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, USA Shooting boasts a committed full-time staff devoted to advancing the discipline of shooting sports.