Nathan Hales keeps cool in Olympics heat to win stunning shooting gold
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Nathan Hales stayed calm and focused to win an Olympic gold in shooting, while others around him were losing control. In a fast-paced sport that relies on quick reactions and precise timing, Hales showed his coolness under pressure in scorching temperatures of nearly 40 degrees Celsius in Chateauroux, located over 200 miles south of Paris.
Competitors faltered, but he remained resilient both mentally and physically. He broke the Olympic record and his friends and family, including his wife Charlotte, who is a two-time Olympian, watched quietly before erupting in happiness.
Hales achieved a significant milestone by winning Great Britain's first Olympic shooting gold in 12 years. This victory marked the first gold in this discipline since Bob Braithwaite's win in 1968, following Peter Wilson's double trap victory at the London 2012 Olympics.
He remained calm and collected during a perfect qualification round, with the 11cm targets flying 20 meters above him at a speed of 40mph.
In the final round of the six-man competition, he began with 15 flawless shots and finished with 18, only missing twice. This put him four points ahead of his closest competitor, Qi Ying from China. Guatemala's Jean Pierre Brol Cardenas also performed well, earning his nation its second Olympic medal ever and securing a spot on the podium.
"It was very nerve-wracking and had a lot of intense moments, but nothing beats winning an Olympic gold medal and breaking a Olympic record," he explained. He is part of the UK Sport's National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, which includes over 1,000 elite athletes. This program allows them to train full-time, work with the top coaches in the world, and receive advanced medical support - all of which are essential as they work towards the Paris 2024 Games.
I kept everything consistent and approached the event like I do with any other, savoring every moment. I was aware that I had a slight advantage over the competition, which was reassuring, but it's important to stay focused on your own performance and not get caught up in comparing yourself to others.
"It was a close and intense competition. I stayed focused on my usual routine and stayed dedicated to my strategy. I incorporate sports psychology techniques into my training, so I focused on my breathing and had confidence in myself. I wasn't aware I had set an Olympic record until somebody pointed it out to me."
This achievement is the outcome of extensive effort and practice. I focused on defeating my opponents one by one without being concerned about the final score.
I have received many messages from people who watched the event on TV. In shooting, we are not accustomed to this level of attention, but I am happy that they were able to witness it.
Hales earned his spot for Paris at the World Championships in Osijek two years ago when he won a silver medal.
After that, he has been in great shape, setting a new trap world record in Lonato during the previous ISSF World Cup and coming to this competition ranked as the second-best in the world.
"I used to travel with my dad while he competed in competitions across the country. I would carry his gear and watch closely, picking up valuable skills along the way," he noted.
As soon as I reached a certain size and age, I began trying out different things and eventually started participating in shooting contests as a child.
About a decade ago, I made the choice to pursue a career in the Olympics. I joined the British Shooting pathway to start my journey towards this goal.
I have never regretted my decision. I have journeyed all over the globe, taking photographs and entering competitions. We all enjoy the thrill of victory and success. It is the intensity, determination, and resilience that truly motivates you.
Being chosen for my first Olympics was an incredible experience. Winning a medal exceeded my expectations, but winning a gold medal? It's almost too much to believe.
Hales finds it amusing when people compare him and Kerwood to the famous couple Posh and Becks in the world of shooting. He confesses that he hasn't been able to instill his passion for the sport in his six-year-old son just yet.
Hales mentioned that he doesn't seem to have much interest. We have tried to show him, but he quickly loses focus and you need to have a great deal of patience for shooting.
National Lottery players help raise over £30 million each week for Good Causes, which includes important funding for both professional and local sports. This support helps our Olympic and Paralympic athletes pursue their goals and represent our nation, while also creating more chances for the public to get involved in sports. Learn more at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.
