Jacobsson focuses on ‘three F’s’

After not deciding to compete at Rio 2016 until the middle of 2015, the multiple Paralympic medallist will line up for his 10th Paralympics. 22 Jun 2016
Imagen
Jonas Jacobsson

Jonas Jacobsson of Sweden competes in the Mixed R6-50m Free Rifle Prone SH1 Qualification Shooting competition at the 2008 Paralympic Games

ⒸGetty Images
By Jake Smith | For the IPC

“The three 'F’s': focus, fight and fun!”

Sweden’s multiple Paralympic champion Jonas Jacobsson has confessed that he did not decide to compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games until the middle of 2015.

At the 2014 IPC Shooting World Championships in Suhl, Germany, the stalwart was one of the first athletes to book a spot on the rifle range in Rio, winning gold in R1 (men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1).

But after earning a coveted quota spot, Jacobsson flew under the radar in 2015, competing in only a handful of events.

“I did not compete all that much in 2015 since I didn’t decide to go for Rio until the middle of the year,” he said.

Despite his mini hiatus, the Swede will start as one of the favourites in Brazil as he chases an astonishing 18th gold medal at his 10th consecutive Paralympic Games.

Joining Jacobsson in Rio will be six of his teammates who will form Sweden’s strongest ever shooting contingent at a Paralympic Games.

With a mix of youth and experience on the team, Jacobsson will certainly be the leader of the pack and provide some invaluable knowledge and insight.

“We do have some new shooters in the team and even if I do not mentor a specific shooter I guess that I can share some of my experience to the younger athletes. My hope is that they will go from Rio with a positive mind to be able to deliver in Tokyo [in 2020],” Jacobsson said.

In what is likely to be his last competitive Paralympic Games, one of the world’s most prolific Paralympians will look towards a different future in the sport.

“We will see what happens after Rio, I'm open for suggestions. It's always fun to help other athletes and to see them improve,” he said, going on to offer the following advice to aspiring Paralympians:

“The three 'F’s': focus, fight and fun!”

__

The 2016 Rio Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 – September 18.

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs)

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.