European Shooting Championships: Germany Wins Team Gold, Jäggi and Janssen Triumph Individually

The European Shooting Championships, held in Yerevan, concluded with successes for the German and Swiss teams. German shooters secured a team victory in the 10-meter air rifle event. The winners were Maximilian Ulbrich, Lucas Frazen, and Ben Koch, who defeated their rivals and confirmed the German team's high form. Meanwhile, in the individual competition of the same event, the silver medal was won by Switzerland's Kevin Jäggi. His result is a sign of a return to the continental elite and an important step in rebuilding form after a less successful period. In events using small-bore rifles, German athlete Anna Janssen shone. She won two silver medals. The first in the 50-meter small-bore rifle prone competition, where she had to concede superiority to only one opponent. The second silver was won in the mixed team event, shooting with her partner. This double success was described by the media as a “return to the top” after struggles with injuries that had previously knocked her out of the elite. Sport shooting as an Olympic discipline has roots in military and hunting traditions dating back to the late 19th century. The first competitions at the Games took place in 1896 in Athens. The discipline has evolved from shooting live pigeons to precise competitions using technologically advanced air and cartridge firearms, where fractions of a millimeter decide. The competition in Armenia is a significant point in the 2026 season calendar. For many athletes, it is a key test of form and an opportunity to earn valuable points for Olympic qualification, while also being a prestigious goal in itself. The next major target is the Olympic Games in Los Angeles scheduled for 2028. Successful performances at the European Championships build confidence and confirm the effectiveness of preparations. Germany's team successes demonstrate the strength of the training and support system in that country. The individual triumphs of Jäggi and Janssen, on the other hand, are proof of the effectiveness of personal work and determination in returning after setbacks or health problems. The entire event took place in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, which hosted the best shooters from across the continent.