Olympic shooters appeal for peace

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Video - Georgia and Russia embrace on podium

Russian and Georgian medallists pleaded for peace as they shared an Olympic podium for the first time since the conflict between their countries.

Russia's Natalia Paderina won silver and Nino Salukvadze of Georgia bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event.

They finished behind China's Guo Wenjun, who took the hosts' third gold.

"This medal is good for Georgia, especially during times like this," Salukvadze said after sharing an emotional embrace with her rival.

The competitors - who were once team-mates in the former Soviet Union - hugged and kissed each other on the cheeks after the dramatic final in the Beijing shooting range hall.

"I am very nervous today. It's very difficult for my people," said the Georgian.

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"We live in the 21st Century, after all," she said, wiping tears from her eyes as she put her pistol down after her final shot of the event.

"We shouldn't really stoop so low to wage wars against each other."

Hundreds are reported dead and thousands have been made homeless as a result of the conflict which escalated last week in the enclave of South Ossetia.

The Georgian government has decided to keep its 35-member team at the Olympics in the "best interest of the country", but Salukvadze admitted she was not sure if she would be taking part in the final.

"It was nice that Natalia Paderina came up to me after and gave me a handshake. Yesterday I thought the Georgian Olympic team might withdraw.

"It's a small victory for my people," she said, looking at Paderina and adding: "When it comes to sports we will always remain friends and nothing will effect our friendship - even in such a scary event as shooting."

Silver medal winner Paderina said: "We are friends indeed. We've been shooting together for a long time. She used to shoot for (the Soviet Union).

"We are really friends and don't get mixed up in political things. Sports is not politics."

China's gold completed a double for the hosts in the event, as Guo's title added to Pang Wei's victory in the men's 10m air pistol on Saturday.