London 2012 bronze medallist Rajmond Debevec has admitted that he is not expecting to claim gold in any of the shooting events at the European Games in Baku this month.
The 52-year-old Slovenian has competed at eight Olympics since making his debut in 1984, and has won three medals, including gold in the 50m rifle three positions in Sydney in 2000.
Debevec, whose world record in the 50m rifle three positions event has stood since 1992, told reporters: "[Winning gold in 2000 is] my best achievement and I will never beat it. That career highlight was 15 years ago and since then the trend is going downwards slowly. My best time has gone so I can't say that I expect a gold medal like I used to.
"This is my life, this is my love. I have liked what I do since the age of eight when I started and I hope I will be able to perform for as long as possible.
"It is tough. The body is not the same as it used to be and the eyes are not as sharp. I struggle sometimes when the light is not perfect and conditions on the range are not what I like them to be. Besides shooting I do physical training on a daily basis. I try to keep my body fit to be able to fight against my younger opponents."
Debevec won bronze in the 50m rifle prone in London.
Sian Cowper
