New Delhi World Cup gold a boost to shooter Alessandra Perilli's confidence for LA28

Alessandra Perilli, who became the first Olympic medallist from San Marino and till date remains the only athlete from her country to win two medals at the quadrennial games, was easily the most popular shooter at the ISSF World Cup Final that took place in New Delhi’s Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges this month.

She was thronged by kids who had come to watch the tournament and patiently obliged them by signing autographs after winning gold medal at the women’s trap event. She didn’t seem like a shooter from a tiny country like San Marino that is nestled inside Italy and has a population of a Delhi neighbourhood. She looked more like a cricketer.

“I started shooting when I was 14 thanks to my sister and my father, who is also a shooter,” said the 36-year-old who was born in Italy but shifted to San Marino at the age of 18. Her mother hailed from the landlocked country and hence the decision to move base.  

The twin medals at Tokyo 2020 – bronze in women’s trap and silver in mixed team – made her a hero back in her country.

WATCH | Alessandra Perilli speaks about her Olympic success and life as a shooter 

“Three times a week for three months, we had a party [to celebrate the Olympic medal]. That was the first Olympic medal, that is why it was celebrated more than us winning a football game,” she said before adding, “Parties eventually became very tiring.”

Alessandra, who works with the police, dedicates herself totally to shooting. She is also a mother to a 10-year-old son Michael.

“I have two important jobs, one with the police and the other of being a mother. Even as the country was celebrating my medals, my son was complaining about me not winning gold.”

The trap shooter, unnerved by her 15th place finish in the qualifications at Paris, is targeting the next Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Shooting is my life and passion. Will go to LA Olympics.  Since the time I wake up in the morning, I dedicate my day to the love of shooting. I eat and sleep according to it. I have to take into account the time zones. Everything has to be perfect,” said Alessandra, who returned to her country with loads of spices from Delhi.

In the final in New Delhi, she overcame challenge posed by Turkey’s Safiye Temizdemir, who eventually got bronze. Erica Sessa of Italy ended as the silver-medallist.  

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