OLYMPIC double trap champion Peter Wilson says he is in no rush to find a new coach after parting company with the man who mentored him to gold at London 2012.

Wilson is aiming to get back into competition shooting later this year but when he does it will not be under the guidance of 2004 Olympic gold medallist Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum.

The pair’s decision to go their separate ways was a completely amicable one with both set to remain good friends as they take on new challenges on and off the shooting range.

And while Dorchester’s Wilson, 27, takes his time to find a replacement for Al Maktoum, he is now a coach in his own right.

Wilson is overseeing the blossoming career of teenager James Dedman, who at just 15 years of age, finished fourth at last year’s World Championship in the under-21 category.

Speaking to Echosport, Wilson said: “Ahmed decided it was better to finish on that gold medal in London and I agreed with him.

“I learnt a great deal from him and, just after the Olympics, he told me I had learnt as much as I could from him.

“He said that whatever happened over the next few years there wasn’t much more he could have taught me.

“He has taken on a new role developing sport in the Middle East and has plans to build a shooting range.

“I’ve always regarded him as the greatest coach in the world, we are still very good friends and will keep in touch.”

He added: “I’ve spoken to British Shooting and, for the moment, I’m not going to look for a coach.
“I put my gun down after competing in Al Ain last April and I’m not likely to put it back in my shoulder until I start training from May onwards.

“I’m happy with that, however, it’s not ideal.

“But what it does mean is that I’ll be in a position to go out and retain my Olympic title in
2016, which for me is most important.”

Wilson reckons taking a break from the sport in 2013 was exactly what he needed after his Olympic glory.

And while he wasn’t competing himself, he was by the side of Dedman out in Peru for the worlds last September.

The duo’s trip didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts – the two were accused by customs officers of being illegal whale hunters on their arrival in Lima.

That aside, coaching is something Wilson is thoroughly enjoying, adding: “It’s very exciting for me to be able to keep my foot in the door in the shooting world and, at the same time, pass on
my knowledge to the next generation.

“James approached me at East Yorkshire Gun Club and it re-minded me of the opportunity I had with Ahmed.

“I had never coached before and knew it would be a learning experience for me.

“I spoke to British Shooting about it and they thought it would benefit me, James and them.”