Nino Salukvadze Ends Olympic Career After a Record 10 Games

After 10 Olympics and 36 years, Nino Salukvadze has decided to retire. The Georgian pistol shooter has been a constant presence at the Summer Olympics since her debut in Seoul in 1988, representing the Soviet Union. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she became the first female athlete to compete in 10 Games.

Salukvadze's journey through the Olympics has seen her win three medals: one gold, one silver, and one bronze. Her last Olympic medal came in Beijing in 2008, where she won bronze for an independent Georgia during a time of conflict with Russia. She embraced Russian silver medalist Natalia Paderina on the podium, a gesture widely seen as a call for peace.

Honouring Her Father

Salukvadze's participation in the Paris Olympics was a tribute to her father, Vakhtang, who was also her coach. After the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he persuaded her to continue for one more Games. "He was my mentor not only in sports but also in life. He was a wise man," she told The Associated Press.

Vakhtang passed away earlier this year at 93 but lived to see his daughter qualify for Paris. Salukvadze recalled his words: "If you quit sports, you can't come back. Just try." It was the only favour he ever asked of her, and she gathered all her strength to fulfil it.

Challenges and Achievements

Throughout her career, Salukvadze faced numerous challenges. She considered retiring after her first Olympics when she won gold and silver as a 19-year-old. In the 1990s, financial struggles in newly independent Georgia nearly forced her to quit. She announced her retirement after the Tokyo Games but returned for Paris.

In Paris, Salukvadze finished 38th in the 10-meter air pistol event and 40th in the 25-meter pistol event, missing out on televised finals. Despite not winning medals this time, her record-breaking participation was acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "IOC President Thomas Bach has sent his congratulations to Nino Salukvadze in a letter," said an IOC statement.

A Legacy Beyond Competition

Salukvadze's influence extends beyond competing. She coaches at her shooting club in Georgia and serves as vice president of the national Olympic committee. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.

Reflecting on her career, Salukvadze said nothing compares to winning an Olympic gold medal as a teenager in 1988. "When I won at the Olympics and stood on the podium, it was indescribable," she said. Even now, she can evoke those feelings just as vividly.

Salukvadze's remarkable journey through ten Olympic Games highlights her dedication and resilience. Her story is one of perseverance and honouring family legacy while inspiring others through sport.