Mike Johnson at the New Dehli Para Shooting World Cup, 2024. Photo: Supplied
New Zealand's Michael Johnson has won a silver medal at the World Cup Para Shooting competition in India.
Johnson, who made the podium in the R4 Air Rifle Standing, and Greg Reid, in the R3 Air Rifle Prone, both gained Paris Paralympic qualifying standards at the event.
Johnson was thrilled with his achievement.
"It's been an amazing couple of days. I came away with the silver medal and with that silver medal came the quota. I've now got two more events, and I'm looking forward to trying to win some more medals for New Zealand!"
If selected Johnson would become just the second New Zealander to be a six-time Paralympian.
To date, only one New Zealander has achieved that milestone - Graham Condon QSM, who did so in the 1980s.
Injured in a motor accident aged 22, Waiuku based Johnson competes in the SH2 sports class, designated to athletes with impairment to the upper limbs.
He has won medals at three Paralympic Games, including claiming gold at Athens 2004.
Reid's result - 9th out of a field of 59 - came in the R3 Air Rifle 'Prone' event.
Greg Reid at the Para Shooting World Cup in India. Photo: Supplied
It was enough to earn a Paralympic slot, in what the Wairarapa Paralympian describes as a "great day".
"I'm really happy to achieve a slot. It's been a wee while coming. I've been out of the Games now for eight years since competing in Rio 2016. I feel really fortunate. I'll be celebrating tonight with an extra ration of chocolate!"
Reid, who is a right leg amputee, competes in the SH1 sports class.
From here, Johnson and Reid must now be nominated to be considered for selection to the New Zealand Paralympic Team, and selected by the PNZ Selection Panel.
