Nino Salukvadze, a legendary Olympic athlete, made history at the 2024 Olympics by becoming the first female athlete ever to compete at the Games 10 times. After an impressive career spanning over three decades, Salukvadze has decided to retire from competitive shooting. The 55-year-old shooter from Georgia first competed in the Olympics in Seoul 1988 for the Soviet Union. Over the years, she has witnessed the Games grow in size and professionalism, with the level of competition getting tougher with each passing year. Despite considering retirement multiple times in the past, Salukvadze was convinced by her father, who was also her coach, to make one final attempt at the Paris Olympics.
Salukvadze’s decision to compete in the 2024 Olympics was a tribute to her late father, Vakhtang, who passed away earlier this year. He had played a significant role in shaping her career and life, encouraging her to continue competing even when she felt like giving up. Salukvadze’s father’s words of wisdom and support had a profound impact on her, motivating her to push herself one last time for his sake. Having won three Olympic medals – one gold, one silver, and one bronze – over the course of her illustrious career, Salukvadze’s final Olympic appearance was not as successful as she had hoped. She finished 38th in the 10-meter air pistol event and 40th in the 25-meter pistol event at the 2024 Olympics.
One of the most memorable moments of Salukvadze’s Olympic career came in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics. At a time when Georgia was at war with Russia, she won a bronze medal in shooting and shared a touching moment of solidarity with Russian silver medalist Natalia Paderina. Their embrace on the podium was seen as a symbol of peace and sportsmanship, transcending the political tensions between their countries. Despite not reaching a televised final in her last Olympics, Salukvadze’s impact on the sport of shooting and Olympic history is undeniable. She continues to serve as a coach at her shooting club in Georgia and holds a leadership role in the national Olympic committee.
As the first woman to compete in ten Olympic Games, Nino Salukvadze’s legacy is secure as one of the most accomplished and enduring athletes in Olympic history. Her dedication to the sport of shooting, her perseverance through challenging times, and her ability to inspire others through her actions make her a truly remarkable athlete. While she may have retired from competitive shooting, Salukvadze’s contributions to the Olympic movement will be remembered for years to come. Her resilience, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence serve as an example for future generations of athletes to follow. Salukvadze’s journey from a young shooting prodigy to a seasoned Olympic veteran is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and a never-give-up attitude in achieving success in sports and life.
