Marcel one point from world record

By: Mats Carlsson, PIC WMSC 2008. – 18 September 2008 kl: 08.08
Last updated: 8 July 2013 kl: 14.55
Archived news

On the morning of 17 September the men’s individual 300-metre standard rifle competition took place. Marcel Bürge from Switzerland was, not unexpectedly, the winner. His final score of 589 points is only one point from the current military world record, which shows the high standard of the competition.

Marcel Bürge, Switzerland took gold in the 300-metre standard rifle on Wednesday. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008
Robert Markoja of Slovenia was today's happiest competitor.
Robert Markoja of Slovenia was today's happiest competitor. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008.
Robert Markoja of Slovenia was today's happiest competitor. Photo: Mats Engfors, PIC WMSC 2008.

It was thrilling contest, demonstrating the razor-sharp competitiveness of the top ranking marksmen, who belong to the world rifle shooting elite, and the winning score was one point from the current military world record.
 “I grew a little nervous near the end, and tried not to think about being in the world championships: just concentrated on scoring maximum points, and it went well enough for a gold medal,” explained the winner, Marcel Bürge.

After gold medallist Bürge, US participant Jason Parker came second on 587 points, followed by Robert Markoja, Slovenia, 585 points.

Today's shooting was a final, with yesterday's team event as the qualifying round. Two Swedes were among the 54 starters in the final.

The Swedish contestants finished in 26th and 50th place respectively. Mikael Olofsson scored 574 points and Christer Jonasson 548 points .