Farmar backing young shooter’s Olympic ambition

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjion

The teenager from Farsund is now in his final year at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport in Kongsvinger. Farmar has supported him for two years already and is now entering its third year as his main sponsor.

And Rinde could not be happier about it. Because pursuing his ambition comes at a cost.

“Without Farmar, this simply wouldn’t have been possible. Shooting is an expensive sport, with travel, equipment and ammunition. Every single shot costs seven kroner,” says Rinde, who comes from a highly shooting-oriented family.

HIS FATHER, Leif Rinde, and his uncle, Nils Bernt Rinde, are both nationally renowned long-range rifle shooters.

“I’ve been on the shooting range since I was seven, and I’ve been fully committed since I was 12 or 13. Now I train every day – at least one session, often two,” he says.

The training is methodical and focused, with an emphasis on basic training, automation, core strength and injury-preventive conditioning.

IN COMPETITION he shoots both air rifle and small-bore rifle (match), firing 60 shots either standing or distributed across three positions.

So far, Rinde has won three individual Norwegian championship gold medals in his age class. Earlier this year, he was selected for the junior national team and has already competed in five international events.

One of the highlights was the European Youth Olympic Festival in North Macedonia.

“That’s where the best in Europe compete. It was a huge experience to be selected, and incredibly motivating. Now it’s all about training towards the European and World Championships at a higher junior level. In the long term, the big goal is the Olympics,” says Rinde, who hopes to qualify for the World Championships as early as next year.

ONE QUESTION nevitably arises when talking to the young shooter: is he already the best in the Rinde family?

“I have to be careful there … I don’t know,” the 18-year-old replies evasively, before adding with a smile:

“My father and uncle have never been on the national team – but I have. So I suppose I can say I’m among the better ones in the family.

FARMAR'S MANAGING director, John W. Nilsen, is clearly pleased. He says the sponsorship agreement with Rinde is a deliberate choice.

“Farmar wants to be seen as a quality brand. Part of our brand-building is supporting both elite performers and grassroots sport. Nikolai is extremely dedicated and goal-oriented. He trains every day and goes all in. He has a winner’s mentality. He doesn’t just want to be the best in Norway – he wants to go to the Olympics,” says Nilsen.

Farmar also has sponsorship agreements with FLIK, Farsund Cycling Club and Vannvittig Moro.