Chateauroux, France — August 1, 2024 — Liu Yukun of China emerged victorious in the men’s 50-meter rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, delivering a performance that solidified his status as one of the sport’s leading athletes. Liu’s impressive display earned him the gold medal, further underscoring his remarkable form in the shooting world.
A Record-Breaking Year for Liu
The 27-year-old Liu has had an exceptional year, breaking the world record twice within two days at the Baku World Cup in May. His continued excellence was evident as he topped the qualification round on Wednesday, setting the stage for his Olympic success. Liu’s final score of 463.6 was enough to secure the top spot, finishing ahead of Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish, who took silver with a score of 461.3.
Liu’s shooting outfit, adorned with the word ‘LUCKY,’ seemed to be a nod to his recent successes. Despite modestly downplaying his performance as not reaching his World Cup level, Liu expressed confidence in his skills and control. “I feel like my overall control is good and my mentality is good,” Liu said, reflecting on his win.
The Path to Victory
Liu’s journey to the gold medal was marked by a strong showing in the kneeling and prone segments, where he initially trailed. Norway’s Jon-Hermann Hegg led after these stages but fell to fifth place by the end of the competition. Liu, trailing Kulish by 0.3 points with three shots remaining in the standing elimination phase, surged ahead by outperforming Kulish in the final shots, ultimately clinching the gold.
When asked about his self-perception, Liu hesitated before stating, “Probably I am [a genius].” This playful self-assessment reflects his confidence and the extraordinary talent he has displayed throughout his career.
Kulish’s Silver and Its Significance
Despite missing out on gold, Kulish’s silver medal is a significant achievement, particularly given the challenges faced by his home country. The 31-year-old shooter, who previously won silver in the 10m rifle at the 2016 Rio Games, expressed deep emotional satisfaction with his result. “This medal means a lot. It is not a gold, but I am pleased I got a medal,” Kulish said. “To get an Olympic medal is a dream.”
Kulish’s performance is also a testament to his perseverance and dedication through the rigorous Olympic preparation cycle, which spans two years.
India’s Bronze Medal
The bronze medal in the event went to India’s Swapnil Kusale, who scored 451.4. This medal is India’s third in shooting at the Paris Games, continuing the country’s strong showing in the sport.
China’s Shooting Success
Liu’s victory marks China’s fourth gold medal in shooting at the Paris Olympics, highlighting the nation’s dominance in the sport. Liu’s triumph adds to China’s impressive achievements and further cements his place as one of the top shooters in the world.
As the shooting competition continues at the Paris Olympics, Liu Yukun’s gold medal serves as a reminder of the skill, precision, and mental fortitude required to excel in this challenging discipline.
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