DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates' only Olympic medallist has taken a shot at the country's sports bosses for wasting the legacy of his gold at the Athens Games.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, the double trap gold medallist in 2004, is furious at the country's shooting federation for doing nothing to help the UAE's marksmen to become future champions.

"After seven long years of hard work, I brought glory to my country in Athens and then they just threw the medal away," said Sheikh Ahmed, who has come out of retirement in a bid to retain his title at next month's Beijing Olympics.

"I thought (after Athens) life would change, the sport would change and people in charge would look at things in a more professional manner. Nothing like this has happened," he told the Gulf News.

Sheikh Ahmed, a member of Dubai's ruling family, will take part in his first international competition since his Athens triumph when he takes aim in Beijing.

He said the UAE had pumped far too much money into soccer, with little success, and feared his country would struggle for shooting success in China.

"I seriously think the country needs to wake up," he added. "We are best suited for individual sports. How much glory has the football team brought to this country?"

The 45-year-old said he had done his best to help other shooters but his pleas for support had fallen on deaf ears.

"I shouted, I screamed and people did not like it," he said. "I am complaining because I love my country, and yet nothing is being done to improve anything."