CHATEAUROUX - South Korean shooter Yang Ji-in emerged victorious in the women's 25-meter pistol event at the Paris Olympics, overshadowing the pre-event media hype surrounding her teammate Kim Ye-ji.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yang Ji-in clinched the gold by defeating France's Camille Jedrzejewski in a tense shoot-off after both competitors ended the regular rounds tied at 37-37. Yang was consistent during the shoot-off, hitting four out of five shots with scores of 10.2 or higher, securing a 4-1 victory. This success marked a significant triumph for Yang, who has maintained a low profile compared to Kim, who failed to qualify for the final despite her viral fame and high expectations.
Kim Ye-ji, known for her cool demeanor and record-setting performances, became an internet sensation after a video of her from a World Cup event went viral. Even Elon Musk commented on her potential in action films. However, the spotlight did not translate into Olympic success for Kim, as she did not make it past the qualifications.
Yang, on the other hand, showcased her mental strength and focus, crucial for precision sports like shooting. Despite her own admission of feeling nervous, Yang managed to execute under pressure, particularly in the final stages of the competition. Her philosophy of "Whatever will be, will be. My future self will take care of it," seemingly helped her maintain composure throughout the event.
This Olympic gold is South Korea’s third in shooting at these games and contributes to their fifth medal overall, matching their highest total in a single Olympics. Yang’s victory not only underscores her skill and poise under pressure but also highlights the unpredictable nature of competitive sports where less heralded athletes can rise to the occasion.
Yang reflected on the additional pressure of being the only South Korean in the final, noting that Kim’s presence could have eased her nerves. Nevertheless, she drew strength from her teammates' support, emphasizing that their encouragement helped her deliver a performance without regrets.