‘We could not be more proud of Nathan Hales’ says Beretta

Carlo Gussalli Beretta – son of the Italian gunmaker’s president, Franco – has called Great Britain’s Nathan Hales’s gold medal in Paris a “splendid result”. 

Shooting with a Beretta DT11 competition shotgun, Nathan not only won gold, but he also set a new Olympic Games record in the men’s Trap shooting final (News, 7 August) — a splendid result indeed. 

Carlos Beretta commented: “We could not be more proud of this success. Seeing three athletes [in Paris, including Amber Rutter] win a title with one of our shotguns is really exciting. 

“I love the shooting disciplines and, as the latest generation of Beretta, I feel a strong desire to make this sport even more accessible, especially among young people. This success inspires us to continue to innovate and support talent with the best technology available,” he added. 

There has been an outpouring of emotion and pride from the shooting industry in support of Nathan, who is also a keen game Shot, after he achieved his incredible feat. 

Ed Barker, director of Nuthampstead Shooting Ground in Hertfordshire, where Nathan trains, said: “From the first round of Olympic Trap Nathan ever shot, it was obvious he was destined for success. How far he could go was the only question. National titles galore, international medals are piling up and he has now reached the pinnacle of clay shooting in Paris 2024. 

“Nathan has done everything you could ask of a sportsperson and has done everybody in shooting and Great Britain extremely proud. We cannot wait to see him back at the ground for more celebrations.” 

Chris Potter, owner of Chris Potter Country Sports, said he was “brimming with pride”. He told ST: “Nathan started shooting Helice with us when he was 13 years old and you could see he had natural talent. Within two years he was Junior World Champion and the following year, he won the World Championships outright. 

“From that early age, you knew he was very capable and has worked so hard to get to the position he is now in. All of his dedication and hard work has finally paid off,” he added.