Nasser had some final words also.
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topi...=481065&version=1&template_id=49&parent_id=29
Fifth Olympics beckon for Qatar ace al-Attiyah
HUGE TEST: Al-Attiyah By N D Prashant/Doha
Qatar’s ace shooter Nasser al-Attiyah will be taking aim at the 2012 London Olympics berth when he competes in the skeet event at the Asian Shooting Championship today.
With four quotas up for grabs, al-Attiyah is keen to finish on the podium and book his ticket to his fifth Olympics.
Al-Attiyah, who flew to Qatar just two days ago after bowing out of the Dakar Rally because of car problems, was seen putting in some quality time in practice at the Lusail Shooting Complex yesterday.
“I shot well today and was feeling better. I won’t say I’m right up there but pretty pleased with the way I shot. Hopefully, things will go as planned,” said al-Attiyah in an interview to Gulf Times after a gruelling training session.
The Qatari quit the Dakar Rally across South America after his temperamental Hummer broke down in the ninth stage between Antofagasta and Iquique in Chile. He lost more precious time when he was forced to make three unscheduled stops on the 556km stage.
The multitalented Qatari ace only decided to quit and head for Doha to take part in the last qualification event for the Olympics once it was clear that he won’t be able to make the lost time.
“There was no point in continuing after so many break downs. I must say, it was a wrong move to go with that team in the first place and I had very little choice then. My earlier team Volkswagen was no longer interested in Dakar and I had to make that move at the last minute to try and retain my title. Not only just the car but the team was equally bad,” said al-Attiyah, who despite his mechanical gremlins still managed to post the fastest times in the second and seventh stages.
Al-Attiyah, who won gold in the skeet team event at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and at the recently concluded Arab Games, revealed that he had been working hard with his physio for the past two days so that his body could recover from fatigue after several days of driving across the South American terrain.
“There was very little time but it was good to spend two days with the family. It was a must and I also worked with the physio; I’m now feeling better. Didn’t have any trouble shooting today and mentally I’m feeling okay,” said the 41-year-old, who will be teaming up with the same group that won the Arab Games gold.
“I will be shooting with Masoud Hamad and Rashid Saleh Hamad. They are performing well and hopefully, we can put up a good show and finish at the top. It will be tough with the best shooters being present here but we are confident,” asserted al-Attiyah.
Dude had no intention of finishing, his schedule is too full.
