Andrea Benelli

Andrea Benelli has competed in six Olympics, winning two medals. In Athens, he won the gold after a shoot-off. He finished with 149 hits out of 150, the same number as the Finn Kemppainen, who was in the lead with 25 targets from the finish and then made a mistake. But Kemppainen missed first in the decider, and Benelli then celebrated his victory with a run around the field. Benelli had been close to the gold in 1996 (3rd) and 2000 (5th). Outside the Olympics, Benelli won the following international medals: World Championships – nine golds (individual in 1987 and 1990, team in 1981, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1999 and 2006), four silvers and three bronze medals; European Championships – seven golds (one individual), five silvers, and six bronze medals; World Cup Finals – one gold, two silvers and one bronze in the individual event; World Cup Events – 18 golds, 10 silvers and five bronze medals. He also won four individual Italian titles, and set two world records in 1996, with 125/125 and 150/150. His father Luciano was also a successful marksman, winning the Italian title in 1977. In honor of his sporting achievements, Benelli was awarded a Gold Medal by the Italian Olympic Committee.