Bruce Lassen

Bruce Lassen represented New Zealand in the trap shooting event at two Commonwealth Games.

In Christchurch in 1974, he finished 5th in the clay target trap. Lassen began the competition well and after the first day was in 3rd equal position. He had an opening 21 on the second day, which relegated him from medal contention.

Lassen, only 23, finished with a total of 186, just two points off the bronze medal position, but 10 behind the gold medallist, John Primrose of Canada.

His shooting drew praise from New Zealand team manager Geoff Thomas, who’d seen several New Zealand shooters fall well below their best form in Christchurch. “Bruce Lassen gave a very creditable performance to take 5th,” Thomas said. “He shot very well on the first day, but his 21 in the first round on the second day gave him quite an uphill battle.”

The Canterbury shooter maintained his standing at the 1978 Edmonton Commonwealth Games when he again filled 5th spot. Primrose again won the gold, this time with a total of 186. Lassen was nine points adrift on 177.