Name: Mike Tagliapietra
Sport: Shooting
Discipline(s):
Pistol Shooting
Classification: P1 (Men's Air Pistol SH1), P3 (Mixed 25m Pistol SH1) and P4 (Mixed 50m Pistol SH1)
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
DOB: 2/4/1967
Birthplace: Fond du Lac, Wis.
Hometown: Fond du Lac, Wis.
High School: Goodrich High School (Fond du Lac, Wis.) ‘85
College: Marian University – Wisconsin ’00, Business Administration
Paralympic Experience
- One-time Paralympian (2016)
World Championship Experience
- Most recent: 2014 – 8th (P3 25m Pistol Mixed SH1), 9th (P1 10m Air Pistol Men SH1 Team), 31st (P4 50m Pistol Mixed SH1), 36th (P1 10m Air Pistol Men SH1)
- Years of participation: 2014
- Top finish: 8th (P3 25m Pistol Mixed SH1) – 2014
Personal:
Tagliapietra first started shooting in 1992 for the Fond du Lac pistol team and credits his former boss for getting him involved in the sport. In the eight years following his accident in 2003, Tagliapietra didn't touch a firearm. From 2009-2012, he competed in more than 30 road races (marathons, triathlons, etc.) using a handcycle or racing chair. Realizing he was not going to be a Paralympian in these sports, Tagliapietra discovered Paralympic shooting through the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club. He was immediately taken in by USA Shooting athletes and famous alums including John Zurek, Brenda Silva and Ruby Fox. After six months of frustration trying to learn to shoot Air Pistol, he took a trip to Colorado to get away. During that trip, he called Paralympic National Team Coach Bob Foth who talked him into committing full-time to the sport and becoming a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His 2014 and 2015 success has led him to being named USA Shooting's Paralympic Athlete of the Year in 2014 and 2015....Son of Robert and Donna Tagliapietra…Has two sisters, Angela and Linda, and one brother, Bob…Hobbies include marathons, triathlons, woodworking projects and volunteering.
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