Mike

Tagliapietra

Quick Facts

• 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 2009-12, 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
• 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 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• 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

Paralympic Experience

• 1-time Paralympian
  • Paralympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 12th (P3 - 25m Pistol SH1 - Open), 30th (MP1 - 10m Air Pistol SH1 - Men), 33th (P4 - 50m Pistol SH1 - Open)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – 25th (P3 - 25m Pistol SH1 - Open)
• Years of participation: P3 - 25m Pistol SH1 - Open 2014, 2019, 2022, 2023; MP1 - 10m Air Pistol SH1 - Men 2014, 2019, 2022; P4 - 50m Pistol SH1 - Open 2014, 2019; P5 - 10m Air Pistol Standard SH1 - Open 2019; P1 - 10m Air Pistol SH1 - Team - Men 2014
• Top finish: 8th – 2014 (P3 - 25m Pistol SH1 - Open)