Boris Kokorev

Early life and background

Kokorev was born on 20 April 1959 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi), then part of the Soviet Union. Like many athletes from the Soviet shooting tradition, he developed skills through structured training systems that emphasized fundamentals of marksmanship. Over time he established himself as a specialist in slow-fire precision events rather than in rapid or action shooting categories.

Sporting career and technique

Throughout his career Kokorev competed in international events for Russia and became closely associated with the 50 metre pistol, often called the "free pistol". This event tests a shooter’s ability to deliver single, highly accurate shots at a small target from a distance of 50 metres using a single-handed stance. Success requires disciplined breathing, consistent grip and exceptional concentration.

• Event specialization: 50 metre pistol (free pistol)
• Skills emphasized: precision, mental focus, steady one-handed technique
• Typical equipment: specialized precision pistols, stable shooting attire and sighting systems

Olympic achievement and later years

Kokorev's most notable achievement was his Olympic gold medal in 1996, a result that highlighted both individual talent and the continued strength of shooters from his country. The 50 metre pistol event remained part of the Olympic programme through 2016, after which the Games underwent changes to event selection and gender balance.

Death and legacy

Boris Kokorev died in Moscow on 22 October 2018 (Moscow), aged 59. He is remembered within the shooting community for his Olympic success and for exemplifying the precision discipline in pistol shooting. His career is often cited when discussing Olympic-era specialists in the free pistol discipline and the technical demands of long-range precision handgun competition.

For further information about Kokorev's career records and related historical context, consult archives of international shooting federations and Olympic records (competitive pistol shooting).