The year of 2011 is special to Rajmong Debevec. Forty years ago, the young man from Postojna, village of little more than 10 thousand inhabitants located in southeast of Slovenia, former Yugoslavia, has given the first gunshot of his life. He was eight years old. At 21, inaugurated in the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. Today, at 48, seven editions of Games in the curriculum, Olympic and world record holder in the 50ms rifle 3 positions, he would have good reasons to return to Alps and enjoy the laurel of a mythic career.

That is not the case. Debevec wants more. Only seven athletes in history have more participation in the Games than him. From those seven, only two are still competing. One of them, the Canadian Ian Millar of Equestrian, has participated in nine editions. He is 64 years old. Debevec smiles. He doesn’t deny that he is aware of those numbers.

Gold medallist in Sydney 2000 and bronze medallist in Beijing 2008, the Slovenian was in Rio de Janeiro last week to participate in the World Military Games. He has disputed in the National Olympic Centre, world reference in facilities of the sport. In the end of a competition day, friendly, he complimented the ranges, asked about the preparation of the city and summarised in seven expressions the means by which he is still on the top.

Passion for the sport

The Shooting sport is like every other one, despite some people think that using guns is not suitable, that it can causes some problems. There are a lot of sports that are related to human being historical activities, as the fight for food, for instance. It is the case of javelin throw. I believe we only use other apparatus to reach a better result. It is a loyal sport, there is no contact, people don’t get hurt if use the material correctly.

Talent

The skills you have to have are similar to other sports, but you don’t need to be a gifted young man our woman, you can practice the high level sport for a long time, keeping your focus for a longer time.

Modesty

I am at an age in which I cannot improve anymore. There are twenty years since I achieved my best scoring [the world record dates from 1992]. I am on a declining curve, but of course I still keep my activities, my training, as I have always done.

Pride and reward

My gold medal was won 11 years ago and I remember that day very well. It was the greatest victory of my career, no doubt about that. On our country, there are not many Olympic champions, so that medal turned the Slovenia sport more notorious and respectful.

Devotion and hard work

Devotion and talento are a winning combination. I train every time I can. This is my full time job, I practice every day.

Tradition and culture

It is important to know that this is a sport. In my country, this vision was set many years ago. The first Shooting clubs in Slovenia have appeared more than 400 years ago.

Aspiration

I have been to seven editions of the Olympic Games and I can say that I’ve got some experience. Now, I need to focus on qualifying for London. Definitely, I think of being in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. IOC has made a perfect decision when selected and gave Brazil and Rio de Janeiro the opportunity to organize the Games. I am sure Brazilians will give their best and will organise Games of first level.