LAST UPDATE MARCH 2020
We have interviewed Riccardo Filippelli, year of birth 1980, Italian skeet shooter. He belongs to Centro Sportivo Olimpico dell'Esercito and trains on the skeet field of TAV Laterina. Active since 2008, he has won a gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the World Championships and a gold and a bronze medal at the European Championships. What type of choke tubes does he use? Find out here!
1. How did your passion for skeet shooting begin?
My love was born in 2008, when I tried shooting my first series of 25 clay-pigeons just for fun, namely skeet shooting. I immediately understood that something had been triggered, a feeling that really can’t be explained in words, a vibration getting in my eyes, spreading through my fingers and then drifting to my tiptoes. From that very day on I started my way up the long ladder which brought me from the lower classes to where I am now.
2. How did you realize that skeet was your discipline?
To be honest I didn't understand it, but rather I felt it. When I tried the first skeet shots I realized that I was experiencing the only thing I really wanted to do in my life; I simply couldn't be aware thereof until I tried! I listened to my gut instincts and followed this great new passion. I think it's the best choice for everyone, always!
3. What was your most exciting victory?
Nice question! All the victories have something special, but perhaps the most exciting was my first ever; I mean the first victory in the World Cup, in 2014, on my international debut. I happened to face the gold medal tie-breaker against the best shooter of the moment, Tore Brovold! I must admit that it was really thrilling to be able to beat him. It was an incredible satisfaction, which I shall keep in my heart forever! Anyway the post-competition celebrations were the funniest part!
4. What’s your way to concentrate?
I follow a very precise method, established together with my mental coach and bosom friend, Sandro Gori. I perform breathing, visualization techniques and many other "tricks" allowing me to achieve high performance, keeping my pre-competition stress rate low. Techniques that over time and along with experience have become indispensable and irreplaceable for me. Sandro is moreover a professional high-level professional hypnotist and for me it is a real stroke of luck, as well as an honour, to have the chance to work with him.
5. To what extent are the Gemini choke tubes essential for the success of your sporting achievements?
I firmly believe they are definitely essential! A shooter athlete cannot do without perfect equipment! The choke tubes must necessarily be suited.
My dear friend Giovanni does not merely produce choke tubes, rather real custom-made "gems"! Just one comment, allow me the expression ... “It’s a gravy train”!
6. What’s their strong point in your opinion?
The precision and accuracy with which they are conceived, designed and manufactured ... and the passion that Giovanni puts into producing these small turning masterpieces!
7. What weapon do you use and what choke tube do you prefer?
My weapon is a Beretta DT11, I have been you using it for several years. As for choke tubes I don't rely on a fixed choice; depending on the shooting field I choose based on the clay-targets I find. The wide range of options boasted allows me to treat myself to this luxury.
8. What advice would you give to a young person approaching this sport?
I would advise first of all to try, in order to refute the ungrounded prejudices about the world of weapons supported by people who have never set foot in a shooting range!
On the other hand I would recommend practising it with passion, dedication and great respect for their parents who sacrifice time and money so as to allow their children to take a path that is not for everyone.
9. Would you like to give us some advice to further improve our product?
It would take just a little colour, the world of skeet shooting needs it! For the rest I believe that it's not worth trying anything better ... that would result in the risk of worsening (smile) ... congratulations!