On behalf of Wollondilly Shire Council, Mayor Matt Gould has congratulated local resident Josh Bell on his selection for the 2024 Olympic Games Clay Target Shooting team. Josh flies off this Sunday to Italy, where he will acclimatise and practice for a week before he heads to Paris to compete in the Games.

30-year-old Josh has been working hard to earn his spot in the Olympic team for Skeet Shooting, which is considered one of the more difficult shooting disciplines, and is over the moon to be achieving his dream. He will be shooting individually as well as in the mixed team’s event.

Based in Camden Park on the edge of the Wollondilly Shire (when he’s not travelling the world for his sport), Josh is married to Zuzana and has two young daughters, Isla and Millie.

Josh said, “Clay Target Shooting is my passion, and has been ever since I could legally hold a shooters license from the age of 12. My ambition was always to represent Australia on the international stage at various levels with the hope that these events will lead me to compete at multiple Olympic Games.”

“Shooting in many ways has paved the foundations in my life, from my first hobby with my dad, numerous networking and job opportunities, team travel throughout Australia and abroad, as well as meeting my wife Zuzana.”

Josh recently managed to secure his first World Cup Medal in the final selection event held in Baku, Azerbaijan in the mixed team’s event with shooting partner Aislin Jones. They made history for not only being the first all Australian team to make a World Cup Final but to also take their first team medal.

This success was then followed by the selection process for 2024 Paris Olympic Games which ran from January – June 2024

consisting of four domestic events and two international events where Josh successfully completed and secured his selection to Paris.

Mayor Matt Gould has wished Josh all the best as he competes on the world stage.

“It is fantastic to see Wollondilly locals competing in the Olympic Games, and we will all be cheering Josh on throughout the competition.”

“Congratulations to Josh and the whole team – Wollondilly Council and the Wollondilly community wishes you all the best, and we hope you enjoy this incredible experience,” he said.

Image:  Josh Bell