The Australian sharpshooter finished the women’s junior trap medal match tied on 30 targets with China’s Ting Han, resulting in a nail-biting shoot-out for the world championship.
Dean held her nerve to break the deadlock, becoming the first Australian gold medallist at the event.
Speaking after the win, the 21-year-old told Shooting Australia it was an incredible feeling to be crowned the junior champion.
“It was incredible, it went really really fast,” Dean said.
“I was in a completely different zone to what I usually am. I started a little bit weak, and then I sort of hit another gear and focused in and it finished really well. The shoot-off at the end was pretty crazy.”
Dean wasn’t the only Australian on the podium, with Breanna Collins claiming the bronze medal.
“To be (on the podium), with not just another Australian but with Breanna, she’s one of my best friends, we’re roommates,” she said.
“To be in both finals side by side for both of them, it was incredible, and to be standing there together both accepting a medal, it just tops it off.”
Dean’s latest success comes after winning two silver medals at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany in May.
Look out for more on Kiara’s golden performance later this week.
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