Viral shooting glasses stealing the show during 2024 Olympics

South Korean sharp shooter Kim Yeji stole the spotlight at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Kim, who took home silver in the 10-meter air pistol event on Sunday, created a buzz on social media when she donned a pair of custom shooting glasses during the competition.

Many were intrigued by the silver hardware, which featured a black left eye cover and a lens over the right eye.

Kim Yeji of Team Republic of Korea prepares to shoot during the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Chateauroux Shooting Centre on July 28, 2024 in Chateauroux, France. Getty Images

Kim Yeji during the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Chateauroux Shooting Centre on July 28, 2024 in Chateauroux, France. AP

“She should be in movies,” one person wrote on X.

“Ultimate bada–” another added.

Some said she resembled John Wick, the titular movie character played by Keanu Reeves, who’s known for wearing tinted sunglasses in the action franchise.

Kim Yeji of shoots during the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Chateauroux Shooting Centre on July 28, 2024 in Chateauroux, France. REUTERS

Others also “obsessed” over a video of Kim that resurfaced during the games, which showed her setting a new world record in the women’s 25-meter pistol at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan in May.

Kim also wore a toy elephant attached to her uniform, as seen in photos at the event, which multiple reports indicated belonged to her daughter.

The 31-year-old Kim set another new record after a strong performance at the Châteauroux Shooting Centre in Paris.


2024 PARIS OLYMPICS


Silver medallist Yeji Kim of South Korea, gold medallist Ye Jin Oh of South Korea, and bronze medallist Manu Bhaker of India celebrate with their respective flags after the 10m Air Pistol Women’s Final on July 28, 2024. REUTERS

Her final score of 241.3 points surpassed the previous women’s shooting 10-meter air pistol Olympic record of 240.3 set by Vitalina Batsarashkina in 2021 in Tokyo.

Oh Ye Jin — Kim’s 19-year-old teammate and roommate — also surpassed that record on her way to winning gold at Paris 2024.

“I’m very happy we scored first and second,” Oh said. “I thought this was really helpful because we could really help each other, so there was less pressure for us.

“She is my roommate, and thanks to her, I could feel less pressure for the match.”

Teammates Silver medallist Yeji Kim of South Korea and gold medallist Ye Jin Oh of South Korea celebrate with their respective flags after the 10m Air Pistol Women’s Final on July 28, 2024. REUTERS

Gold medalist Oh Ye Jin, silver medalist Kim Yeji, and bronze medalist Manu Bhaker pose on the podium during the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final medal ceremony at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Getty Images

Kim explained that she considers Oh as a sister.

“I do not view her as my rival,” Kim said. “I always want to care for her and always be there for her. So when she won the gold medal, I was extra happy.

“This is a big stage, the Olympics, and we won the gold and silver. When we won these medals, we were so proud we are Koreans.”

Manu Bhaker of India won bronze.

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