Juan Antonio Saavedra Reinaldo

Started: He began shooting in 1991. (marca.com, 04 Sep 2012) Reason: He played handball before his amputation and wanted to remain involved in sport after his operation. He was introduced to shooting by his uncle at age 17. (marca.com, 28 Jan 2016; paralimpicos.sportec.es, 20 Sep 2004) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (dxtadaptado.com, 01 Nov 2021) Awards: In 2022 he was named Para Sportsman of the Year at the Sports Gala of Vigo in Spain. (farodevigo.es, 21 Apr 2022) In 2013 he received the Royal Order of Sports Merit silver medal from the High Council for Sports in Spain. (csd.gob.es, 27 Sep 2013) Additional Info: PARALYMPIC EXPERIENCE He has competed in the 2000, 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games, and believes that his experience gives him an advantage over younger competitors. "What youth gives you does not compensate for what experience offers. I watch young shooters who in good conditions score great but, as soon as there is rain or wind, their scores plummet. This is, to a large extent, due to the mental aspect, as you have to be very strong psychologically, after being trained to aim at the centre of the target, to deceive your own brain and apply compensation when there is wind or rain. These tricks, adjustments and composure come only with time and experience." (rtve.es, 29 Jan 2021; atlantico.net, 07 Dec 2020) FROM SWIMMING TO SHOOTING He previously competed for Spain in Para swimming, including at the 1998 World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, but he switched to shooting Para sport as he thought his older age would prove beneficial to competing in the sport. "In the end, I had to abandon swimming because of my age. It is a very demanding sport and so I opted for shooting, which has less physical wear and tear and where age is sometimes even a positive." (maisqueauga.com, 06 May 2022; tododisca.com, 02 Jan 2021) OCCUPATION He has worked as an energy consultant in Vigo, Spain. "Not all shooters are policemen or work in the army. In fact, our sport, which is of extreme precision, has little to do with their work. I would like to dedicate myself full-time to shooting, but it is impossible. Everything comes out of my pocket and there are many costs like ammunition, travel and carbines, which are expensive." (yosoynoticia.es, 02 May 2024; tokio2020.dxtadaptado.com, 25 Jul 2021; atlantico.net, 07 Dec 2020) OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as president of the Lucero Olympic Shooting Club in Pontevedra, Spain. (tiroalcorcon.com, 15 May 2011) EDUCATION He has a degree in mining engineering. (yosoynoticia.es, 02 May 2024)

Sporting Relatives: His brother Pablo represented Spain in Para swimming and competed at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Paralympic Games. He won bronze in the S7-10 men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and also won one silver medal and three bronze medals at the 1998 World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 Aug 2021; rtve.es, 29 Jan 2021; marca.com, 04 Sep 2012)