At 50 meters rifle, prone, it was a thrilling final. In the end, Benson finished second. The gold went to German Natascha Hiltrop and the bronze was taken by Jean-Louis Michaud, France.
Afterwards, the joy was great.
It was a long way in, she laughs.
It means a lot. I've had three great competitions, but today I got the margins on my side. It feels very, very good, she says.
Took revenge
The 40-year-old from Halmstad had previously finished fourth and fifth during the games. A nice revenge to finally get to step up onto the podium, in other words. Additionally, a favorite in a repeat from Tokyo three years ago.
The key to success? That she managed to stick to her plan.
Despite my heart beating at 220, I've been able to focus on my technique and do what I need to do, she says.
Winner Hiltrop won with a score of 250.2 – a Paralympic record. Benson's score was 248.8. Afterwards, she got to celebrate with her family who were on site to follow the thriller.
It means a lot and it's really fun, she says.
"Not as afraid of failing"
Since her success in Tokyo three years ago, Benson has become a mother to son John. Something she believes has been positive for her athletic career.
It's someone else who decides your time now. It's a challenge and I like challenges. Then you have something else. I'm not as afraid of failing now that I have John. I've already won, she says.
The shooting competitions in the Paralympics are decided, just like during the Olympic Games, in Châteauroux, located south of the French capital. Benson competes in the SH1 class and has a so-called drop foot. This means "severe constant pain, great difficulties walking on the right foot, and non-existent balance", according to the Swedish Paralympic Committee.
The medal is Sweden's second in this year's Paralympics. Previously, Anna Beck took a bronze in the time trial in cycling.
