Fact Check: Is the viral image of pistol shooter firing from his back actually from Paris Olympics 2024?

By Riddhi Acharya

Modified Aug 02, 2024 16:10 GMT

The 2024 Paris Olympics have seen renewed public interest in the sport of shooting, with many fans obsessed with the cool demeanor and easygoing looks of some shooters. However, the latest photo of a shooter to go viral, where the athlete can be seen turning his back to the target and using a mirror, is photoshopped and not actually from the Games.

Throughout the shooting events at the ongoing Olympics, multiple shooters have gained widespread popularity on the internet, especially South Korea’s Kim Yeji and Turkey’s Yusuf Dikec.

Yeji is a sharpshooter who claimed silver in Paris, and caught the attention of fans for her outfit and demeanor, being labeled the ‘coolest Olympic athlete’. The South Korean’s all-black outfit coupled with bespoke glasses led many to draw similarities between her and sci-fi characters.

On the other hand, Dikec found himself going viral for the exact opposite reason. The Turkish shooter showed up to the Games in an everyday pair of jeans and a t-shirt, donning none of the special equipment his fellow competitors were using. However, he still walked away with a silver, leaving audiences stunned.

Most recently, a third photo from the Paris Olympics went viral, where a shooter has his back turned to the target and is seemingly using a mirror to aim. However, this latest image is photoshopped, and not from the Olympics. The image is of Thai comedian Pongsak Pongsuwan during a television show segment.

Yusuf Dikec on not using special equipment at the Paris Olympics

Yusuf Dikec was the center of attention for many internet users after he showed up to the Paris Olympics in everyday clothes and prescription glasses, opting to forgo the heavy equipment shooters usually use. Typically, an Olympic shooter can be seen wearing a headset, specialized glasses, and caps.

Speaking to Turkish media on why he chose not to wear anything but small earplugs, Dikec said:

"I never needed that equipment. I am a natural shooter. That's why I don't use many accessories."

He went on to add that he was happy with his performance, saying:

"I am just very happy about five Olympic Games. We (him and teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan) were very strong today in our competition."

For the 51-year-old, this outing in Paris marks his fifth appearance at the Olympic Games. He is a two-time World Champion and five-time European Champion and intends to go for gold at the 2028 LA Olympics.