Get to Know the Shooter - Leif Steinar Rolland

4 jan, 10:38

Leif Steinar Rolland - norwegian living in Sweden and "landstrener" Danmark

Leif Steinar Rolland – former Olympic shooter and current Head Coach of the Danish National Team

Leif Steinar Rolland has seen the sport from every possible angle – as an Olympic athlete, an international coach, and now as a familiar presence at major Nordic competitions. At this year’s Swedish Cup, he returns not as a competitor, but as a coach, mentor and passionate supporter of shooter development across borders.

Why Swedish Cup?

There are several reasons why Rolland chose to be part of the Swedish Cup this year. One is Denmark’s involvement in Megamål, but another – and perhaps more important – is his role as national team coach.

“I care deeply about all the shooters I’ve worked with over the years,” he says. “I’ve been active in all four Nordic countries, and nationality doesn’t really matter to me. When you’ve contributed to a shooter’s development, it gives you a great feeling to be there and see how they’ve grown.”

Experience with the Competition

Interestingly, Rolland has never competed in the Swedish Cup himself – but he has attended many times.

“If it’s not Swedish Cup,” he explains, “then the international season hasn’t really started.”

His best memories from the competition are not about medals or rankings, but about personal breakthroughs.

“I remember two shooters who performed exceptionally well relative to their level. It meant a lot to them. One was Norwegian, from another country, and one Swedish – from not far from here. That kind of genuine sporting joy is what this sport is all about.”

What Makes Swedish Cup Special?

For Rolland, Swedish Cup stands out as the true opening of the international season. He also highlights the competition’s traditionally welcoming and educational approach.

“It has never been overly strict on equipment – more guiding than punishing – and that’s especially good for juniors. It’s a kind competition, but with world-class athletes present. That combination is unique.”

He does, however, note with a smile that equipment discussions have been livelier than usual this year.

“There’s been quite a bit of debate around jeans this time – and there, you might be walking on slightly dangerous ground.”

Coaching, Development and Pressure

As a coach, Rolland feels he has continued to grow through experience and by finding new solutions.

“You never stop learning,” he says. “Especially as a coach, experience helps you see things differently.”

Right now, his main focus is on structuring the season properly.

“It’s crucial to divide the season into three phases: foundation, development and competition.”

Handling pressure, especially in finals, is something he believes starts with the coach.

“We work a lot with breathing and staying calm. If the coach gets stressed, the shooter will too.”

Routines and Mental Reset

Before competitions, Rolland’s routines are mainly mental and organizational.

“Making sure shooters are correctly entered, attending technical meetings – those things matter. We also always have a shared meal and a team meeting every day.”

When things don’t go as planned on the range, his approach is clear.

“That’s elite sport. It happens. You focus on the next shot – and then you learn from it afterwards.”

Quick Fire Questions

Morning session or evening final?
Morning.

Music or silence before competing?
Music in the ears – it helps you turn inward.

Favourite venue to compete at (other than Sävsjö)?
Munich – the true mecca of shooting sport. Lisbon also has a beautiful range, though I’ve only been there for training camps.

Coffee or energy drink?
Cola Zero and Loka.

Gold medal or personal best?
I’ve held two world records – both were later broken by the same person, Jason Parker from the USA. He even apologised for breaking them. But records are only borrowed. A gold medal stays forever and proves that you were truly good.

One Final Thought

If he could give advice to his younger self before his very first Swedish Cup, Rolland keeps it simple:

“Have fun – and learn from everything that happens.”