August 17, 2004, was a day of immense pride for the UAE when Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Hasher Al Maktoum secured the nation's first Olympic gold medal in international competitive shooting. The event took place at the Markopoulo Olympic Shooting Centre in Athens, Greece, during the 2004 Summer Olympics. The sport was double trap, a challenging shotgun shooting discipline where athletes aim to break high-speed clay discs launched from traps.
On that day, conditions were tough with gusting winds and swirling air. Sheikh Ahmed, using his double-barrel shotgun, targeted two clay discs flying at approximately 140kmph, switching his aim between them in just about a second. His precision and technique were remarkable, as he matched the Olympic record of 144 in the qualifying round, missing only six out of 150 discs. In the final round, he maintained his lead against five other finalists, ensuring his victory before the last shots were fired.
After his final shot, Sheikh Ahmed kissed his Beretta shotgun and embraced his competitors, celebrating the UAE's first Olympic gold. He scored a total of 189 points, significantly ahead of India's Rajyavardhan Rathore, who won silver with 179 points, and China's Wang Zheng, who took bronze with 178 points. Sheikh Ahmed attributed his success to years of rigorous practice and the support of his coach and family.
Sheikh Ahmed's shooting career, which started in 1997 at the age of 34, was marked by numerous World Cup victories and medals before his Olympic triumph. He credited his family's shooting tradition for his skills, recalling his early experiences with firearms during family hunting trips in the peaceful desert of Dubai. His historic win in Athens was met with a hero's welcome upon his return to the UAE, receiving widespread congratulations from leaders and citizens alike.
