The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is considering a major change to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics programme that could significantly alter the future of shooting sport. The iconic 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, a fixture in the Olympics since 1896, may be replaced by 25m Sports Pistol—a proposal that has sent shockwaves through the global shooting community.
As the oldest shooting discipline in the modern Olympic Games, the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol has seen generations of athletes battle for the prestigious Olympic title. The event has long been known for its thrilling action and unparalleled skill. However, under the proposed changes, male 25m Rapid Fire Pistol shooters would be required to compete in 25m Sports Pistol, a shift that would fundamentally alter the competition’s dynamics.
To gauge the reaction of athletes, the ISSF Athletes Committee has launched a survey, inviting all male pistol athletes to share their opinions on this potential shift. The survey emphasizes the importance of athletes’ feedback in the decision-making process. The survey results will directly influence the final decision, with the ISSF Council making the ultimate call based on these responses, as well as key analysis from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) report from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The ISSF has requested the support of federations to share the survey link with registered male pistol athletes, encouraging as many athletes as possible to participate before the February 6, 2025, deadline. The ISSF has emphasized that the opinions of the athletes will be a central factor in the final decision, underlining the importance of this survey for those who have dedicated themselves to the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol.
For athletes who have spent countless hours refining their skills in 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, the possibility of its removal from the Olympic programme raises serious concerns. Such a sudden change could leave many shooters without a platform to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. The removal of other events from the Olympic shooting programme, such as the 10m Running Target, Double Trap, 50m Rifle Prone, and 50m Free Pistol, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Olympic shooting events and the profound impact these decisions have on athletes’ careers.
As the ISSF moves closer to a decision, the future of the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol hangs in the balance. The outcome of the survey will undoubtedly shape the landscape of competitive shooting in the years to come, with many athletes hoping that the ISSF will honor the tradition of this iconic event and respect the commitment of its shooters.