The 1988 Seoul Olympics introduced the 10m air pistol events and added finals rounds to shooting competitions for the first time.
Key Facts
- Total events contested
- 13
- Men's events
- 7
- Women's events
- 4
- Mixed-gender events
- 2
- First appearance
- 10 metre air pistol events
- Last appearance
- 50 metre running target event
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The International Olympic Committee and shooting federations sought to modernize the Olympic shooting program, expanding the number of events and introducing new disciplines such as the 10 metre air pistol while phasing out older formats like the 50 metre running target.
Shooting competitions at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea comprised thirteen events across men's, women's, and mixed categories. For the first time, finals were held for the top six or eight competitors in each event, raising the competitive stakes and public visibility of the sport.
The introduction of finals rounds became a permanent fixture in Olympic shooting, increasing spectator appeal. The 10 metre air pistol events were established as core Olympic disciplines, while the 50 metre running target was discontinued from future Games in its existing form.