WDSC 2016: first winner determined
First finals of the inaugural World Deaf Shooting Championships were contested today at Kazan's Dynamo Sports Complex. Almost 70 athletes from 16 countries take part in the tournament.
The first set of medals was up for grabs in the men's 50m rifle prone event. The gold medal and new world record was claimed by Colin MUELLER (GER), at 202.6 points total. The runner-up with 200.7 points is Thomas MÖSCHING (SUI), one of the most renowned deaf shooters and the favourite of the event. The third medal was awarded to Sebastian HERRMANY (GER), who scored 180.1 points. Russia's top athlete, Artyom Kozlov, finished fifth.
After the medal ceremony, newly crowned world record holder and the first World Deaf Shooting Championships winner Colin Mueller highly praised the event's level of management and gave his regards to Russian athletes.
"I have never been to Kazan before, but heard only good things about the city and the country. You've got enormous experience in organising sports events of the highest level, and I believe that this Championships will not be any exception," said the shooter. Mueller also shared a few words about his preparation for the competition: "I trained in Germany and here in Kazan. The conditions were harsh – rain, wind, cold – but it didn't throw me off the track. Quite the contrary, it was kind of strange to return to the hall where the actual competition took place. I passed the challenge with flying colours. I did my best, I've set my target and work hard to get there."
The champion admitted that he was extremely nervous and under tremendous pressure due to competing in the first World Deaf Shooting Championships. "I was never the best during qualifiers – something always was amiss. But I wanted to prove myself in the finals, slowly, step by step, moving towards my dream. The most important thing in qualifiers is not to burn out, to get into the final pool. And after that, show your very best. I am extremely proud with my victory, but the credit is due for the whole team," the athlete said.
The champion also admitted that Switzerland's Thomas Mösching, repeat European champion and one of the most renowned shooters in the world, was the favourite of the finals. "Most people believed he would win. Mösching is an experienced opponent, but he does not win every time. He's got his tricks up his sleeve, and I've got mine. Thomas is good at prone fire, but other disciplines and harsh weather conditions may leave him at a disadvantage. I am proud of myself, I truly am. Victory comes with personal skills, hard work and trust in yourself. Us shooters, we compete with ourselves, with our stress. You shouldn't hope for your opponents' misfires."
Speaking about the doping scandal with Russian teams, the champion said: "I, and most athletes around the world, are disappointed that the scandal stripped Russian Paralympic athletes of their dream, the dream they were working hard for four years to get to. I am not in the position to point fingers, but as a fellow athlete I do support our colleagues. Such events should be attended by athletes from all countries. Sports should bring people together, not apart. With that said, I am absolutely against any use of doping in sports. Doping controls have been, are and will be a part of sports. Including deaf sports. We are already informed about WADA controls. Doping officials are already here and will take competitors' samples shortly. Everyone must go and pass the tests with their heads held high and prove that Deaf Olympics are clean, open and ready for any sorts of controls."
The runner-up of the World Championships, Thomas Mösching, also highly praised the organisation of the event. "Everything is top notch, big thank-you to everyone involved," he said.
Speaking about his own performance, Mösching said: "Not bad. I came second, I've got a medal from the first World Deaf Shooting Championships in history. I wanted to win, sure, but the competition is incredible." When asked about the language barrier, the athlete replied: "I know several languages, but us deaf people have easier time communicating with each other. The sign language is very similar across the world, so I rarely have troubles communicating when travelling."