Rio 2016: Kuwaiti marksman becomes first stateless athlete to win gold medal

The Olympics has seen its first ever independent gold medal winner, after Fehaid Al Deehani won the men's double trap

Fehaid Al Deehani reacts to winning the Double Trap event (Sam Greenwood/Getty)

Kuwait's Fehaid Al Deehani, competing as an independent, has captured men's double trap gold by defeating Italy's Marco Innocenti in the final match.

With Kuwait suspended by the IOC, Al Deehani and seven other athletes were allowed to compete as independents in Rio.

The veteran of six Olympics needed a shoot-off with American Joshua Richmond to get into the finals, but hit 28 targets to reach the gold medal match against Innocenti.

A proud officer in the Kuwait army, Al Deehani dropped to the ground and kneeled after reaching the final, then pounded his chest as he walked away.

In the gold medal match, Al Deehani hit 26 targets and Innocenti 24. Al Deehani raised his arms in triumph after hitting the final two targets, then turned and again pounded his chest at the crowd.

Al Deehani became the first Kuwaiti athlete to win an Olympic medal with a bronze at Sydney in 2000 and added another in London four years ago.

Steven Scott hit all 30 targets to defeat Great Britain shooter Tim Kneale for the bronze medal.

AP