Paris, France, July 29, 2024: It’s been quite a year for 19-year-old Chinese marksman Sheng Lihao – and there are still five months to go.
On June 3 in Munich, he set a new world record in the men’s 10m air rifle of 254.5.
On Saturday, July 27, he was a member of China’s 10m air rifle mixed team that won the first gold medal of Paris 2024.
Two days later, on Monday at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, 250km from Paris, the teenager won his second gold medal of these Games in the men’s 10m air rifle – and broke the Olympic record in the process by shooting 252.2. The previous record was 251.6 by William Shaner (USA) at Tokyo 2020.
Silver medallist Victor Lindgren of Sweden scored 251.4 and Miran Maricic of Croatia took bronze on 230.
Three years ago in Tokyo, Sheng, then 16, won silver – and this time upgraded to gold.
“I had already completed one of my objectives in Tokyo,” he said. “In the last three years, I have overcome many difficulties and I also broke a record.
"In techniques and firing, I am more mature now. I am growing up and improving.
“I am very pleased and happy that I now have two gold medals for my country. These are a very good boost for other athletes in my team.”
Commenting on how he keeps calm during the tension of shooting, Sheng added: “Concentration is very precious and very difficult, especially in a final. There are many things that can disrupt your focus. I practise hard to do my best to concentrate because I don’t want to be distracted by anything.”
(Olympic Information Service)