Alban Franco was a key figure in the history and evolution of international shooting sports. He was born on January 25, 1948, in Italy and died on September 27, 2018.
Franco began his career as a competitive shooter at the age of 16 and quickly established himself as one of the best shooters in Europe. In 1972, he won the gold medal in the trap event at the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, becoming the first Italian to win an Olympic gold medal in shooting. This victory earned him worldwide recognition and cemented his status as a world-class athlete.
In addition to his success on the international stage, Franco also made significant contributions to the sport of shooting. He helped establish the European Shooting Confederation (CEST) and served as its president from 1989 to 1993. Under his leadership, CEST became one of the most respected and influential organizations in the world of shooting.
After retiring from competition, Franco continued to be involved in the sport of shooting. He served as the president of the Italian Shooting Federation for many years and was instrumental in helping to establish new shooting facilities throughout Italy.
Alban Franco's legacy continues to inspire future generations of shooters. His dedication to the sport, his accomplishments on the international stage, and his commitment to improving the sport through education and advocacy, make him a truly remarkable figure in the history of international shooting.