The Outdoor Wire

Team USA Rifle and Pistol Athletes Shine at 2026 Junior World Championships in Suhl, Germany

Team USA rifle and pistol athletes delivered a standout performance at the 2026 ISSF Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun, securing multiple top-ten finishes, international podium positions, and two new World Junior Records in men's rifle events.

The highlight came in the Junior Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event, where Griffin Lake, Braden Peiser, and Tyler Wee captured gold and established a new World Junior Record. The same trio followed with a silver medal in the Junior Men's 10m Air Rifle Team and bronze in the Junior Men's 50m Rifle Prone Team.

Lake continued his exceptional performance by winning gold in the Junior Men's 50m Rifle Prone event while setting another World Junior Record. Peiser earned bronze in the same event, placing two Team USA athletes on the podium. Ryan Wee added a strong top-ten finish for the United States.

"These results are special," said George Norton, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Competition Channel at Walther Arms USA. "When you see junior athletes step onto a world stage and perform with that level of confidence, it says a lot about their work, their coaching, and the future of the sport in the United States. We are proud to support athletes who are not only winning medals but helping show where this sport is headed."

On the women's rifle side, Elizabeth Probst contributed to a top-five finish for Team USA in the Junior Women's 50m Rifle Prone Team alongside Karlie Lynn and Carley Seabrooke. Probst and her teammates continue to gain valuable international experience as part of a rising group of young American rifle shooters.

Team USA pistol athletes also delivered consistent results. Eva Allan topped the qualification round in Junior Women's 10m Air Pistol and finished seventh in the final. Allan, Sophie Li, and Danae Bell placed fifth in the Junior Women's 10m Air Pistol Team event, while Sophie Li and Marcus Klemp recorded top-ten qualification performances in the Junior 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team. Klemp added another strong showing for the U.S. pistol program.

Several of Team USA's top-performing rifle and pistol athletes in Suhl, including Griffin Lake, Braden Peiser, Marcus Klemp, and Elizabeth Probst, competed with Walther equipment.

"At this level, the athlete earns the result," Norton added. "Our role is to support the athlete, support the pathway, and ensure they have equipment they can trust when it matters most. What these athletes achieved in Suhl is a perfect example of preparation, coaching, commitment, and trusted equipment coming together."

Walther Competitions USA continues its strong commitment to the American Olympic shooting pathway through equipment support, athlete partnerships, and long-term investment in junior development. Performances like those in Suhl demonstrate the depth of talent in the U.S. shooting community and build momentum toward LA28.

Full official results from the 2026 ISSF Junior World Championship are available at:
https://www.issf-sports.org/competitions/3283/results

For additional information, visit www.waltherarms.com.

About Walther Arms: Walther Arms USA is a leading provider of high-performance firearms and competition equipment, dedicated to supporting shooters at every level—from enthusiasts to Olympic and world championship athletes. Through the Walther Competitions USA program, the company invests in the future of the sport by equipping America's top junior and senior talent with precision rifles, pistols, and support services.