The Paris Olympics will mark another milestone in the association between two of the best names in world shooting.
World No.1 Martin Strempfl and Steyr epitomize excellence, and emerging out of Austria, their feats are proof of this tiny nation’s contribution on the global stage.
The stakes will be high for Strempfl, 39, as he takes aim in Paris as the world’s top-ranked name in men’s 10m air rifle. Aiding his endeavour for an Olympic podium this time will be his Steyr Challenge E.
Over the years, Steyr has been associated with excellence in pistol shooting, but the company is now also a major force in rifle shooting with athletes like Martin leading the charge.
Steyr has dominated the Olympic Games since 1992, and the company’s record at sport’s biggest event is mindboggling. Starting from Barcelona 1992 to Tokyo 2021, shooters using Steyr pistols and rifles have bagged 33 medals, 11 of them gold.
With the tally at the Tokyo Games alone reading 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze, Steyr will be relying on Strempfl and other shooters in its camp to better the haul in Paris.
For Strempfl, the urge to step will be immense as his campaign in Tokyo ended in disappointment with a 13th finish in what was his maiden Olympic appearance.
The lessons have been learnt well since then, and Strempfl and his Steyr rifle will pose a formidable challenge to the rest of the field in Paris.
Going into the extravaganza, his form is good too with several individual and team medals across various top ISSF tournaments like World Cups, European Championships, and Grand Prix.
Fondly recollecting his long association with the iconic brand, Strempfl said, I’ve never had a rifle that is so calm while firing and the trigger is perfect. I can use almost any ammunition, but the biggest advantage is I haven’t had to readjust the trigger or anything else. Of course, you can do well with other rifles, but I am convinced that this is the right one for me and responsible for my success over the years.”