In an exhilarating finale at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Serbian shooters Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic clinched Serbia’s first gold medal, overcoming Türkiye’s Yusuf Dikec and Sevval Ilayda Tarhan with a score of 16-14 in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event on Tuesday.
The Serbian duo faced a significant deficit early in the match, trailing 8-2. Demonstrating resilience and determination, they mounted a remarkable comeback to seize victory and fulfill their long-held Olympic dream. “It’s my fifth Olympics. It’s her fourth Olympics. This was our goal, and it’s here,” Mikec shared triumphantly.
Having narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, the pair’s gold medal in Paris is a testament to over two decades of dedication to their sport. Upon securing the win, Mikec expressed his overwhelming emotions by lying on the ground, a moment Arunovic described as “the emotions were on the ground.”
The champions also took the opportunity to acknowledge the impressive performances of their Chinese counterparts in the shooting events. Praising them as a “shooting machinery,” Mikec and Arunovic noted China’s haul of three golds and two silvers. “We have been following their performances closely,” Arunovic said. “We are friends with several Chinese shooters and have even learned some Chinese words like ‘ni hao piao liang’ (you’re pretty), ‘zao shang hao’ (good morning), and ‘she ji’ (shooting).”
The camaraderie between the Serbian and Chinese athletes highlights the spirit of international friendship and mutual respect that epitomizes the Olympic Games. As spectators celebrated their victory, Arunovic reflected on the moment: “Yesterday we won a medal. It’s like, you know, you won it, but now when you see this, this is great.”
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Serbian gold medalists praise Chinese shooters at 2024 Summer Olympics
cgtn.com
