Nicco Campriani

Italy

Gold medal

Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions

On the event final

I had everything to lose. I worked really hard before the competition,

and there were a lot of expectations on me, which made things even

harder. The last 20 shots kneeling were really difficult. There were a

lot of heart beats, and I was shaking.

I was moving well at all times, but then in the final, I shot eight

points. Everybody thought that it wasn’t enough. You never know,

especially in this event. What happened in the last two Olympics, there

were some 0.0s, where were some 4.0s. I just shot until the end. It was

hard because I had everything to lose.

I made it, and I’m glad because it’s not just these (last) 10 days,

it’s four years.

It was windy at the end and really hard.

I won today because of my kneeling position, which is strange for me

because I hate kneeling.

On winning the Gold medal

Medals are medals. I’m feeling very strong emotions. I’ve reached

my aim, and I am delighted.

After my Silver medal (in men’s 10m air rifle on July 30), it was

really hard to stay focused and to find new motivation.

On who he dedicates his Gold medal to

I have a huge, long list of people to dedicate my medal to: Petra

(Zublasing), my girlfriend, and my parents, who have supported me all

the way through my American training. They had heart problems in the

past, but they are here and they are fine.

On people who supported him

Although shooting is an individual sport, you still need support, and I

have had tons of messages over the last few days. My cell phone is off

at the moment, but I will reply to them all.

I want to thank my girlfriend; half an hour with her, just talking and

laughing, is like three days.

On what is next after the London Olympic Games

I need a break now from shooting. I will be back in 2013, but I need a

long break.

I’m going to study (sport engineering) in Sheffield for a new

adventure with a new motivation. I’m glad shooting has ended this way.

It is the best way. I was good and lucky.