Italian coach Diego Gasperini has formulated an effective Olympic skeet and trap shooting program, bringing athletes from Russia, Oman, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia, and Malta under the umbrella.
The formative years with the military strengthened his mental fortitude which he is passing to young and Olympic-level athletes in his coaching career since 2006, including a role as the Russian National Shotgun Team Head Coach.
Among a host of athletes, he has trained Olympic gold medalists like Giovanni Cernogoraz, Josep Glasnovic, and Bacosi Diana in skeet and Olympic bronze medalist Matthew Coward-Holley, along with top-tier shooters like World Champions Azmy Mehelba, Abdelaziz Mehlba, Nikolay Tepply, Batirshina Zilya, Alexander Zemlin, Oguzhan Tuzun.
Olympic First had a chance to understand his journey and bring it to the fore.
1. How did you start trap shooting? At what age? Tell us about your formative years.
I started trap shooting at the age of 13. By the time I was 18, I joined the prestigious Army Sport Center in Rome, where I stayed as a professional athlete until I was 21.
These were foundational years where I won several national and international competitions.
My time in the military also shaped me significantly, as I underwent special training and missions, which strengthened my discipline and determination.
Returning to the Olympic Army Sports Center in 2003, I transitioned into a coaching role in 2006, merging my passion for shooting with innovative training methods.
2. What was easier: being a trap shooter or using those experiences to coach youngsters?
Both roles have unique challenges and rewards. Competing requires focus, resilience, and self-discipline, but coaching demands a different kind of skill set. When coaching young athletes, you’re not only teaching technique but also inspiring them to believe in their potential.
Developing programs like the FITAV Summer Camps and the Youth Shooting Academy allowed me to channel my experience into shaping future champions.
Watching young athletes grow and succeed has been just as fulfilling as my victories.
3. How do you sum up your career so far and how has it moulded you?
My career has been an incredible journey. From competing as an athlete to coaching at the highest levels, including the Olympics, I’ve learned the value of persistence, adaptability, and innovation.
Every medal at any level, whether as an athlete or a coach, carries a story of hard work and teamwork.
These experiences have not only shaped my approach to shooting but also taught me how to mentor others effectively. It’s been a rewarding path, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead
4. Tell us about your main goal as a coach.
My main goal is to continue blending traditional techniques with modern scientific methods. These include detailed performance analysis, the use of advanced technologies such as sensors to monitor posture and movement and personalized programs based on biometric data. I also incorporate sports psychology principles to improve athletes’ focus and stress management during competitions, along with specific physical conditioning programs to enhance endurance and coordination.
This approach not only helps my athletes optimize every technical detail but also prepares them mentally and physically to compete at the highest levels. My vision is to develop a holistic strategy that enables each athlete to reach their peak potential and make their mark on the international stage.
5. How do you sum up your career so far and how has it moulded you?
My career has been an incredible journey. From competing as an athlete to coaching at the highest levels, including the Olympics, I’ve learned the value of persistence, adaptability, and innovation.
Every medal at any level, whether as an athlete or a coach, carries a story of hard work and teamwork.
These experiences have not only shaped my approach to shooting but also taught me how to mentor others effectively.
It’s been a rewarding path, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead.
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