SammarineseShooterFemaleOlympic Medalist

Alessandra Perilli

Alessandra Perilli is a professional trap shooter representing San Marino who won the nation's first Olympic medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

1. Early Life and Background

Alessandra Perilli was born on 1 April 1988, in Rimini, Italy. At the age of 18, she made the decision to represent San Marino, becoming a Sammarinese citizen. Her hometown is Borgo Maggiore, one of the nine municipalities of San Marino. Her family also has a strong connection to shooting sports, as her sister, Arianna Perilli, is also a professional shooter. Alessandra stands at 67 in (169 cm) tall and weighs 161 lb (73 kg).
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2. Shooting Career

Alessandra Perilli is a highly accomplished professional target shooter specializing in the trap discipline. Throughout her career, she has consistently competed at the highest levels of international shooting, representing San Marino in numerous prestigious events, including multiple Olympic Games and various World and European Championships.

A typical air rifle target, illustrating the sport.
A typical air rifle target, illustrating the sport.

2.1. Olympic Games

Perilli has been a prominent figure for San Marino at the Olympic Games, participating in several editions and achieving historic milestones.

2.1.1. 2012 London Olympics

Perilli made her Olympic debut at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Competing in the women's trap event, she achieved a notable fourth-place finish. Her performance was particularly close, as she was involved in a draw for second place with a French and a Slovakian shooter, narrowly missing out on a medal. She also had the honor of being the flag bearer for San Marino during the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.

2.1.2. 2016 Rio Olympics

Alessandra Perilli continued her Olympic journey at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She again served as the flag bearer for San Marino in the Parade of Nations. In the women's trap competition, she finished 13th in the qualification round and did not advance to the finals.

2.1.3. 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo marked a historic turning point for both Alessandra Perilli and the nation of San Marino. In the women's trap event, Perilli secured the bronze medal, making her the first Olympic medalist in San Marino's history. This achievement was a monumental moment for the microstate, which had previously been the smallest independent state to compete in the Olympics without winning a medal. Days later, she further cemented her legacy by winning a silver medal in the mixed team trap event, partnering with fellow Sammarinese shooter Gian Marco Berti.

2.2. Major International Competitions

Beyond her Olympic successes, Alessandra Perilli has accumulated a significant collection of medals at various major international shooting competitions, demonstrating her consistent performance and skill in trap shooting.

CompetitionYearEventMedal
World Championships2010 MunichTrap TeamBronze
European Championships2019 LonatoTrapBronze
European Championships2024 LonatoMixed team trapBronze
European Games2015 BakuMixed team TrapBronze
Mediterranean Games2018 TarragonaTrapGold
Mediterranean Games2009 PescaraTrapBronze
Mediterranean Games2013 MersinTrapBronze
Games of the Small States of Europe2009 CyprusTrapSilver
European Junior Championships2008 NicosiaTrapBronze

3. Legacy and Impact

Alessandra Perilli's Olympic achievements at the 2020 Tokyo Games hold immense historical significance for San Marino. By winning the nation's first-ever Olympic medals, she broke a long-standing barrier and brought unprecedented international recognition to the country's sporting prowess. Her success has served as a powerful source of national pride and an inspiration for aspiring athletes within San Marino. Her pioneering role is expected to have a lasting positive effect on the development of sports in the microstate, encouraging greater participation and investment in athletic programs. Perilli is celebrated as a national hero and a symbol of perseverance and excellence in sports.