Kim Ye-ji, a South Korean pistol shooter, has become an internet sensation after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 31-year-old’s newfound fame was sparked by a video clip of her casually setting a world record in May while wearing a black cap turned backward, futuristic shooting glasses, and a pink elephant doll tied at her hip. The clip inspired fan art, video montages, and even suggestions that she should star in an action movie.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, also gave Kim a shout-out on social media, further boosting her popularity. Despite being a heavy favorite for gold in the 25-meter event, an error in the qualifying round cost Kim a trip to the finals. She missed her shot by just 0.01 seconds, which left her furious with herself.
Kim’s passion for shooting started in sixth grade when her gym teacher, who was also the shooting team coach, asked who wanted to shoot a gun. She was curious and raised her hand, but her parents were initially against it. However, Kim refused to eat and cried for three days until they agreed.
From day one, Kim told herself she had to be the very best.
Kim’s viral Olympic journey
She highlighted the demands of her training regime, saying, “Shooting is a sport where you are focusing on one thing and performing the same action over and over again.
It can be mentally exhausting but also incredibly fulfilling.”
Kim was touched by the messages she received from fans who said they learned a lot from her and were inspired to try shooting because of her. She explained the elements of her viral outfit, saying, “The eyepiece is common. Most shooters compete with a blinder on one eye.
The elephant doll, which the media mistakenly said was from my daughter, is actually a hand towel my coach gave me because our hands get greasy from loading cartridges. The hat helps keep my eyepiece in place.”
Looking to the future, Kim has already targeted the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She said, “This Olympics feels like a turning point in my life.
I realized that I still have so much I can improve. Until now, I thought that I was a perfect shooter with absolutely no weaknesses to work on. I think that’s part of the reason why I slipped up in the way that I did.”
Kim’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been one of unexpected celebrity and personal growth, setting the stage for hopefully even greater achievements in the future.
