Paris Olympics 2024: Australian trap shooter James Willett makes ideal start in qualifying

Top Australian medal hope James Willett has made the ideal start to his Olympic campaign, holding equal-top spot in men’s trap qualifying.

After the first three qualifying rounds on Monday, Willett is tied on 74 with Swede Rickard Levin-Andersson.

Fellow Australian Mitchell Iles is ranked 13th on 72, in the incredibly-tight competition.

After Tuesday’s last two qualifying rounds, the top six will contest the final in the afternoon.

Willett was near-perfect, only missing one target in the second round.

He has competed at the last two Olympics in double trap - no longer a Games event - trap and mixed trap and is yet to win a medal.

But he came into the Olympics ranked second, winning a World Cup event in May.

Australian Michael Diamond won the men’s trap at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, while Adam Vella claimed bronze in 2004.

Women’s trap qualifying will start on Tuesday and Australian Penny Smith is another solid medal chance, while 2016 Olympic gold medallist Catherine Skinner will join them in her second Games.