British shooter Rutter's swift shift from new mom to Olympic silver medalist in 3 months

CHATEAUROUX, France - British shooter Amber Rutter's journey to a silver medal in women's skeet at the Paris Olympics is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Competing at the highest level of sport is challenging enough, but doing so just three months after giving birth adds an extraordinary layer to her achievement.

The 26-year-old was tied at 55 hits with Francisca Crovetto Chadid of Chile in Sunday's final and fell short six to seven in the shoot-off after her last shot was called miss.

Despite the controversy over whether she hit her last target, Rutter remained positive about her performance.

"That's the way the sport goes. I truly believe that I did hit that last target. But to come away with the silver medal, it's something I'm so proud of," she commented.

Rutter's Olympic journey was marked by intense emotions and the unique challenges of balancing motherhood with training after giving birth to her son Tommy in late April.

"I wish I could say it was easy, but it was really hard just dealing, battling with those nerves," she confessed. "It has honestly been a crazy few months and really tough balancing life with a newborn and fitting in training and everything else going on in my life.

"It's been a real challenge, but with the support of family and friends and British Shooting, everyone has chipped in to really encourage me that my Olympic dream has not been forgotten about. It was important I kept reminding myself that my goal was to get to the Olympics."

The culmination of her efforts brought unparalleled joy, especially when she discovered after the competition that her husband had come with their son to surprise her.

"To turn around and then see my son there and my husband, I can't believe that. He completely surprised me. I had no idea he was coming," said the new mom, who had asked her family not to come for her match.

"I know Tommy might not remember it, but it's a moment that I'll certainly remember," she added.

For Rutter, juggling motherhood and Olympic training has been both a physical challenge and an inspiring experience. She aspires to encourage other mothers with her story.

"I just hope that we can really share the message to other moms that your life doesn't stop after having a baby," she said. "Whether it's in sport or whatever passion you have, your life just doesn't have to stop. They just have to come along with the ride with you."

Rutter also saw the silver medal a tribute to her late grandfather, Bill Rogers, who introduced her to shooting.

"He was the one that really got me into the sport," she recalled. "He came to Rio with me and unfortunately passed away a few years later due to cancer. But even when he was really sick, he always had the iPad up and watching me every moment wherever I was in the world. He was there with me every step of the way, and his dream was to see me win an Olympic medal. "

"Although he may not be here today, I know he will be watching up there, and this is for him as well," she said.

Rutter's maiden Olympic medal could have come earlier, when she was entering the Tokyo Olympics as reigning world champion. However, she was forced to withdraw from the Games after testing positive for COVID-19 the night before flying to Japan.

"After the disappointment of Tokyo, I wanted to quit altogether. I only carried on competing to get a roof over my head and pay the bills," she revealed.

"To come back now and secure a silver medal feels like everything was meant to happen this way. It's been a rollercoaster, but now I have got this medal with my son here, I truly believe things happen for a reason. It just hasn't sunk in yet."

Speaking of the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Rutter said she has not yet planned her future so far ahead but is focused on celebrating her success and spending time with her family.

"I've got so many things in my life right now and being a mom. I feel like I've just been so busy these last few months. I just really want to focus on family time and starting my business."