Under the guidance of Coley, Wilson produced a stunning display to take victory in the men's double trap event at last summer's Games, despite being the youngest competitor in the field at just 25-years-old.

Following the Olympic success, Coley admits it is the perfect time to retire and the 66-year-old from Gloucestershire has compared his departure to that of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has just stepped down as boss of the Premier League giants following 26 years at the club in which he won 38 trophies.

"I really am retiring at the top of what I could achieve," said Coley.

"It's a bit like Sir Alex Ferguson, I am coming out on the top and I did it my way.

"One thing I didn't want to be is an old fart of the shooting world.

"In another four years' time I'll be 70 so I feel I've chosen the right time to come out and I'm delighted with what I've achieved throughout my career."

Wilson represented Coley's second student to take Olympic gold after he also mentored Richard Faulds to victory 12 years earlier at Sydney 2000.


"I put a double trap shoot on at my shooting school towards the end of 1992 and it was then I met Richard Faulds," Coley said.

"He was a young shotgun shooter at the time and I could see straight away that he was talented.

"That was when my relationship with Richard was formed.

"I met Peter Wilson by accident on a training day at Bisley.

"He was simply having a look around at the time and I told him to have a go.

"He first said no at first, but then he changed his mind.

"I could see there could be something there and I told him to have a go at the selection shoot that was coming up the week later.

"He instantly said he wouldn't be good enough but I said he should definitely give it a try.

"Low and behold, Peter came back the next week and six years later he was Olympic champion."

Wilson has led the tributes to Coley following his decision to retire.

"Ian's passion for the sport is infectious," said Wilson.

"Without his help none of what we've achieved would have been possible.

"I owe him a huge debt of gratitude and wish him all the best for the future."


British Shooting performance manager Tim Newenham has also praised Coley for his huge contribution to the sport in the United Kingdom.

"Ian is simply an amazing man, his compassion, drive, humility and expertise makes him one of the most respected people in the shotgun shooting world," he said.

"He's the man behind two Olympic gold medals and dozens of medals at World Cup, European and World Championship level.

"He has also supported, in some way or other, most of the Great Britain shotgun team over the last 20 years, as coach, manager and sometimes quietly and personally behind the scenes."

Coley added that he is now going to take up recreational shooting while still keeping a close eye on the sport at elite level.

"I will miss the Olympics so much but I'm sure when Rio comes around, I will be watching the television with much excitement," he said.

"It's fantastic to see that British double trap is now ranked as one of the top three nations in the world and it's nice to know that I've been part of getting it to that standard."

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