Meet the Croatian ISSF Shooter of the Year.
Croatian Olympian Snježana Pejčić has received an important recognition awarded by the International Shooting Sport Federation which has named her, together with American shooter Vincent Hancock, as the “ISSF Shooter of the Year”, reports HRT on January 23, 2016.
The ISSF Coaches Advisory Committee, members of the Athletes Committee and a panel of international journalists have selected Pejčić due to her unique and very successful performances, behaviour and personality. They emphasized that they did not try to find the most successful competitor, but a person who in the best way represents the special values of the shooting sport. Pejčić has earned this recognition due to her performances in the World Cup.
“The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Snježana Pejčić has been one of the main protagonists of the 2015 ISSF World Cup Series. The rifle shooter won two World Cup gold medals in Changwon, Korea, last year, as well as two silver medals at the ISSF World Cup Stage in Fort Benning, USA, in both 10 m Air Rifle and 50 m Rifle 3 Positions Women events. On her way to the 2015 ISSF World Cup Final in Munich – where she secured a bronze medal – Pejčić also equalled the 50 m Rifle 3 Positions Women world record, and set a new final world record”, explained the ISSF its decision.
“This is the first time that I have received such a prestigious award and I hope that it will not be the last. This award was one of those that I have really wanted to have. It is a great honour, especially since I was in competition with all other shooting events, and there are so many great shooters. I did not expect to win this”, said Pejčić.
The Croatian Olympian is pleased with last season. “Last season was the best in my career. It began with four medals in the World Cup, and ended with the a great result at the World Cup Final”, said Pejčić. “This year, I have new challenges ahead of me. I will focus on the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Before that, I will take part in all four World Cup competitions and at the European Championships in order to prepare for Rio.”
