Get to Know the Athlete – Hannah Göransson

Hannah Göransson from Sävsjö and representing Sävsjö Skytteförening

For Hannah Göransson of Sävsjö Shooting Club, competing in the Swedish Cup is almost a given.

“You shoot the Swedish Cup – that’s just how it is,” she says. This year, the motivation is even stronger, with the competition serving as a European Championship qualifier and taking place on home soil.

Göransson has been part of the Swedish Cup environment for most of her life. She first competed in the event in 2016 and has since taken part eight times, but her connection goes even further back. As a ten-year-old, she was already involved, helping out in the kiosk – a small detail that underlines how deeply rooted the competition is in her shooting journey.

For Göransson, the Swedish Cup represents something significant: a large, international competition held in Sweden. While it may be home ground, she is quick to point out that it offers no real competitive advantage. Many Swedish shooters have already competed and trained at the venue, and the event attracts a field comparable to major international competitions. In her view, the high standard across the Nordic countries is one of the event’s defining strengths.

Her strongest memory from the Swedish Cup dates back to 2023. On the final day, she shot a 628 and was soon after informed that she had been selected for the European Championships – a moment that still stands out as a career highlight.

Over the past year, Göransson has focused heavily on technical development, particularly in the 50-metre event without support. Her kneeling position, she says, has become noticeably more stable. Looking ahead, her ambitions stretch far beyond the current season. With the 2028 Olympic Games as a long-term goal, much of her work right now revolves around building a solid and reliable foundation in her shooting positions.

Experience has also played a key role in her mental development. Competing in finals and in the Bundesliga has helped her learn how to manage pressure. When situations become decisive, she relies on established routines and breathing techniques, allowing her to fall back on what she knows rather than being distracted by the moment.

Preparation and recovery are equally structured. Before competitions, Göransson prioritises warm-up routines and dry-fire training, with a strong emphasis on staying mentally balanced. If a series or a single shot doesn’t go as planned, she once again returns to her breathing and to clear, simple technical cues.

Asked what advice she would give her younger self ahead of her very first Swedish Cup, her answer is straightforward: relax and enjoy the experience.

Quick Fire Questions

Morning session or evening final?
Morning session.

Music or silence before competing?
Music – though it doesn’t play a major role.

Favourite place to compete (other than Sävsjö)?
Denmark, various ranges.

Coffee or energy drink?
Coffee.

Gold medal or personal best?
A personal best.