Her first Olympic Games were in Seoul, in 1988. After 36 years of career and 10 Olympic meetings in between, the 55-year-old Georgian Nino Salukvadze is retiring.
Nino Salukvadze, the legendary Georgian markswomanhas written her name in the Olympic history books by becoming the first female athlete to participate in 10 editions of the Olympic Games. His extraordinary career, spanning more than three decades, is a testament to perseverance, passion and sporting excellence.
An unprecedented race
Salukvadze began his Olympic career in Seoul 1988, representing the then Soviet Union. Since that moment, his presence has been constant in each edition of the Summer Games. At 55 years old, the Georgian shooter has witnessed the evolution of the Olympic Games, observing how they have become “bigger, more professional” and with competition “tougher than ever”.
Throughout his career, Salukvadze faced crucial moments that tested his resolve. He considered retiring after his Olympic debut, where he won gold and silver medals at age 19. In the 1990s, he again contemplated retirement due to financial difficulties in newly independent Georgia. He even announced his retirement after the Tokyo Games in 2021, but fate had other plans.
A last tribute
Salukvadze’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a tribute to his father and mentor, Vakhtang. Remembering his words, Salukvadze shares:
This paternal advice motivated her to return one last time to Olympic competition, gathering all her strength for him.
An Olympic legacy
Throughout his 10 Olympic participations, Salukvadze has accumulated three medals: one gold, one silver and one bronze. His last Olympic medal, and his first representing the Independent Georgiahe obtained it in Beijing 2008. At a time of political tension, Salukvadze starred in a gesture of peace by hugging the Russian silver medalist, Natalia Paderina, on the podium, while Georgia and Russia were at war.
The end of an era
At Paris 2024, Salukvadze competed for the last time, participating in the 10 and 25 meter pistol events. Although he has not reached the finals, his participation marks the close of an extraordinary career. “This time, I’m sure I’m done,” says the athlete.
However, Salukvadze’s connection to the Olympic movement is far from over. As a coach at her own shooting club in Georgia y vice president of the national olympic committeewill continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
Nino Salukvadze’s career is a testament to the olympic spiritdemonstrating that passion, dedication and love for sport can transcend borders and time, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Olympism.
