Monday’s activities had already begun by 06.30 with a weapons and equipment check. Official training then continued all day between 08.00 and 16.45.
“It’s gone exactly how we wanted, practically no glitches. A few details needed to be rectified. There has been a pleasant atmosphere all day, and a friendly mood among participants and officials,” said Major Lars Johansson, Chief Range Officer for the 300-metre events.
Skilled Austrian
Outside the hall for 300-metre shooting we met Thomas Farnik from Austria, civilian world champion at both air rifle and 300-metre standard rifle. His most recent gold medal was in the 2006 world championships in Zagreb. At the Beijing Olympics, Thomas finished in a respectable fifth place. Thomas has also won medals in the last six military championships, and is undoubtedly a highly skilled competitor.
“I really like competing in the Nordic countries –you have such fine facilities here. Possibly a little cold for my taste; you can’t really relax when you shoot. But I’m in good form and I’m looking forward to the competitions,” says Thomas Farnik, one of nine in the Austrian contingent.
Perfect conditions
One of the girls in the Swedish contingent is Linda Olofsson, who is competing in the 50- metre rifle prone. She says that it things feel really good ahead of the competitions.
“I’ve had a fine season, with some good results, and among other things I came third in the civilian Swedish championships. If I shoot well I could go a long way. There are really superb shooting ranges here and conditions couldn’t be better, Linda Olofsson rounds off.