Korean pistol shooter Kim Yeji gained widespread attention during the 2024 Summer Olympics, not just for her incredible shooting skills but also for her unusual glasses and calm demeanor. As a first-time Olympian, Kim left a mark with her viral performance. But who is Kim Yeji, and what’s the story behind her distinctive eyewear?
Who Is Olympic Shooter Kim Yeji?
At the time of the 2024 Olympics, Kim Yeji was a relatively unknown athlete outside of shooting circles. Born on September 4, 1992, in Danyang, South Korea, she was 31 years old during the Games. Kim resided in Imsil County with her daughter and was a full-time athlete, representing the Imsil-gun County Office Shooting Team. Coached by Kwak Minsu, she began shooting in middle school out of curiosity and quickly developed into a top competitor.
Kim made headlines by setting the world record in the 25m Pistol Women’s category at the 2024 World Cup in Baku. During the 2024 Summer Olympics, she earned a silver medal in the 10m Air Pistol Women’s event, while her former teammate and friend, Oh Ye Jin, secured the gold.
The Story Behind Kim Yeji’s Glasses
The distinctive glasses worn by Kim Yeji, like many professional shooters, grabbed the internet’s attention. Though they may look futuristic or cyberpunk, these glasses serve a highly practical purpose for shooting athletes. Designed to enhance focus and precision, they help shooters block out distractions and maintain sharpness on their targets.
Kim’s glasses consisted of three key components. The first was a lens that covered her dominant eye, enhancing her vision with a small diopter. Behind that was a mechanical iris, which allowed her to adjust the depth of field for better clarity. Additionally, there were blinders, one for her non-dominant eye and others to reduce peripheral vision distractions.
While these glasses are essential for shooting accuracy, their design is purely functional, making them unlikely to catch on as a fashion trend. They are designed with one purpose: improving a shooter’s ability to concentrate and hit the mark.
In the 2024 Olympics, Kim Yeji not only proved herself as a world-class shooter but also captivated audiences with her unique style, making her one of the most memorable athletes of the Games.
