Bunbury Rifle Club captain George Wittorff has returned home following a momentous 2019 Long Range World Championship campaign.
Wittorff captained the 12-man Australian Veterans Rifle Team in this year's Championships, held at Trentham Rifle Range in Wellington, New Zealand.
Australia was victorious, finishing seven points ahead of Great Britain with New Zealand, the United States of America, and Canada rounding out the top five.
The result saw Wittorff secure his second Long Range World Championship gold medal.
Australia earned a clean sweep in the Palma Match events, with the Veterans, Open, Under 25, and U21 teams all successful.
Team members used 7.62 calibre rifles, and shot over 800, 900, and 1000-yard ranges.
Wittorff and his team also took on Canada, USA, Great Britain, and New Zealand in the Tony Loughnan Memorial Veterans team shoot.
Teams competed over 300, 600, 900, and 1000 yards.
Australia claimed the title with a score of 1895.138, narrowly beating out Great Britain.
During the trip, Wittorff's team also picked up the Trans Tasman Veterans Trophy.
"I had the best team that I have ever been associated with, so I was pretty confident going in," Wittorff said.
"It's very gratifying...we're exceptionally proud. When you're selected to put on an Australian blazer in any sport, you feel very humbled.
"It gives you an inner glow, and you end up lifting your performance to another level."
In November 2018, Australia's Veterans and Open teams went head-to-head in an official practice session. The Veterans claimed victory on the day.
Wittorff has represented Australia on 10 occasions, captaining six national teams. He led the Veterans in the 2011 and 2015 Long Range World Championship competitions.
After taking a well-earned break, the champion shooter will begin training for the National Championships in June and the West Australian Rifle Association inc. Queen's Prize in September.
The Bunbury Rifle Club will host the South West Open Championships in April.
For more visit wara.asn.au.
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