Peter Durben has been Team USA’s National Rifle Coach since January 2022 and, according to his job description, is “responsible for all management, training and programming for the U.S. National Team programs in the Rifle discipline.”
Today at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Durben shared his thoughts about this year’s Games and the performance of Team USA in shooting events thus far. (Edited for clarity.)
On USA Shooting athletes Sagen Maddalena’s silver medal performance in the Women’s 50m Smallbore 3-Position Rifle event and how it will resonate with the rest of the team.
“This year, we have strong skeet team, who are competing right now, and this is going to inspire them to do greater. It’s fantastic for the whole team and for everybody. We are a big family and for [Maddalena] to get a medal here is good for the whole team.”
On Sagen Maddalena’s approach to competitive shooting and performance under pressure.
“She’s tough, very tough. Sagen is the ultimate competitor. She does the right work and has the right approach to everything to succeed. It makes my job a little easier.”
On coaching Sagen Maddalena’s in the Women’s 50m Smallbore 3-Position final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“It’s best described as nerve racking. This was my first time as the head coach doing it. You have no control once it’s in the final. You just have to get her prepared as best you can and let her do her thing. Sagen is as skilled as everybody in there. They know what they’re doing and you have to just let them do their thing. Sit and watch the show. [The coach’s seat] is the second best seat in the house, besides being on the firing line as a competitor like Sagen.
On whether there is any disappointment among the U.S. Shooting Team regarding capturing only one medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics so far.
“For me, no, because I know we’re very competitive and there are great competitors from around the world here. It’s really difficult to predict what is going to happen. The best we can do is be prepared and get our athletes in a position where they can excel. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn’t. We are fortunate anytime to get medals. We are very grateful.”
Learn more about USA Shooting at usashooting.org.
