Exactly one year ago, the London 2012 Olympics were officially opened, aiming to “Inspire a Generation”
On the 27th of July 2012, the XXX Olympic Games in London were declared open by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a spectacular Opening Ceremony. Over six years of preparations, a completely renewed area of London, new venues, new transportation systems, over 70 thousands of volunteers… all this finally came together, exactly one year ago.
Some 390 shooters coming from 108 countries (a record) arrived in London to compete at the Royal Artillery Barracks Olympic venue, where the 15 Olympic events of the Shooting Sport were staged from the 28th of July right through the 6th of August. Following a long lasting tradition, Shooting assigned the very first Gold medal of the Olympics at the 10m Air Rifle Women final, won this time by Yi Siling of the People's Republic of China. And it was a great show, with over 400 media accredited for the event and thousand of spectators in the venue, witnessing a show followed by the ISSF President Olegario Vazquez Raña along with the IOC President Jacques Rogge and the ISSF Secretary General Franz Schreiber.
London was a stage of success and high scores: 29 World or Olympic Records were set or equaled at the Royal Artillery Barracks, during the Games. Speaking about Shotgun, it was Italy’s Jessica Rossi the most successful record setter. Qualifying for the Trap Women Final with a perfect score of 75 out of 75 hits, she shuttered the Olympic Record, the World Record, as well as the Junior World Record. Then, winning the final with 99 targets, she also set the new Final World Record and Final Olympic Record. Between the Rifle shooters, Italy’s Niccolò Campriani finished twice in the spotlights, equaling the 599-point Olympic Record at the 10m Air Rifle Men event, and then setting a new Olympic Record and Final Olympic Record in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men event. Belarus’ record-man Sergei Martynov scored four different records at the 50m Rifle Prone event: equaled world record, equaled Olympic record, and then new Final World Record and new Olympic Record with 705.5 points. Among the Pistol Shooters, it was Cuba’s first Olympic Gold medalist Leuris Pupo who stood out, setting the new Olympic Record, and equaling the current world record with 34 hits in the new Rapid Fire Pistol final.
The ISSF President, Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña said: “The Organizing Committee of the London Games did a great job. We were keen in showcasing our sport in the heart of the Olympic Games, and we made it. The shooting venue was crowded every day, we did not have empty seats, the support of the spectators has been overwhelming, and the athletes answered with excellent performances. London 2012 has been a success!”
ISSF Secretary General Franz Schreiber said: “The 2012 Olympic Games has been a real highlight for the ISSF. The sport results have been really high, as 29 records can prove. And the outturn of public has been overwhelming. These have truly been one of the best Olympic editions ever, and I believe that the visibility we had in London, at this great venue set in the heart of the Olympics, will attract more public and young athletes to our sport.”
London 2012 has been an highlight in the history of sport, and truly keeps on “inspiring a generation”.