Cissi Lindberg defends her European Championship title

After four intense days at the IPSC European Handgun Championship, Cissi Lindberg once again stood at the top of the podium. She had not only won another European Championship title. She had defended her title.

“It feels very special to win a major championship. But above all, to win it again and actually keep the title. That feels really good,” says Cissi Lindberg.

It has not fully sunk in yet. Right after the championship, everyday life, work and moving boxes were waiting back home in Sweden.

“You are so focused. First you go there and do what you need to do, then you come home straight into the next whirlwind. I don’t think I have really had time to land in what happened,” she says.

The match started strong. During the first two days, Cissi felt that her shooting was where it needed to be. She scored points, found her rhythm and built a lead.

But a championship is rarely decided only when everything is flowing. The third day became heavier.

“I had a small emotional dip. I missed a few timings on swingers, had some extra shots on steel, and there were several small mistakes that started to bother me. It became emotionally tough,” she says.

That was when the support around her became important. Instead of letting the feeling take over, she was able to regroup, lean on her squad and find her way back.

“They supported me and coached me through it,” says Cissi.

Going into the final day, she knew she was in a strong position. At that point, it was no longer about pushing for more. It was about holding the match together, making smart decisions and avoiding unnecessary risks.

“I knew where I stood and focused on doing what I needed to do. I took it calmly and tried to be smart,” she says.

When the result was final, the feeling she had worked for all week arrived.

Joy. Pride. And relief.

“Of course, it was great fun. But above all, it was a relief. Now it was done. Now no one could take it away from me.”

For Cissi, the victory also became proof of the mental strength it takes to hold an entire championship together, even when everything does not go in a straight line.

“It means an incredible amount. I have proven to myself that I have the spirit and the heart of a fighter once and for all. That feels good,” she says.

During the championship, Cissi shot with the Aimpoint® COA®.

“The sight worked exactly as it should. No issues at all. It stood solid and did its job,” she says.

Next up are training sessions, matches in Malmö and Denmark, and then some well-earned rest. But she is already looking further ahead. The next World Shoot will be held in Italy in 2029.

First, the victory needs to sink in. Then the next journey begins.