Fact Check: Is the Mirror shooter picture at the Paris Olympics 2024 real or fake? Viral image debunked

During the Olympics 2024, a viral photo showed a shooter aiming at a target solely by seeing its reflection in a mirror, holding the mirror in his hands. Many internet users were amazed by the concept of shooting while facing backwards using just a mirror.

However, it was later discovered that the image was not real. The photo was actually taken from a TV show, not an Olympic event. The background of the 2024 Paris Olympics was photoshopped into the image to create a buzz. The original picture was from a Thai game show called Ching Roi Ching Lan.

The X account that initially shared the photo is reportedly a satirical account. The platform even provided the original picture, confirming that the viral image was fake.

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The picture of the mirror shooter in the Olympics is a fake

The 2024 Olympics in Paris have reignited interest in the shooting sport among the general public for many reasons, mostly due to the performance of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec. However, another image quickly gained attention on social media, a shooter facing backwards, using a mirror reflection to aim.

Referred to as "another viral Olympic shooter," this picture has generated a lot of interest and discussion. However, it was later discovered that the photo was photoshopped. Additionally, this is not an Olympic image. It features actor-comedian Pongsak Pongsuwan from the Thai game show Ching Roi Ching Lan.

In this show, the judges compete with one another to replicate a viral trick that has gone viral all around the world. This video is a clip from the same challenge.

In this clip, the man from the viral photo appears in what is known as the "three-gun duel." Essence identified him as Pongsak Pongsuwan. Using a mirror, he aimed at a balloon behind him and eventually managed to shoot it.

This follows the rise in popularity of the Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who became well-known for his casual demeanor and lack of gear usage. Since his debut, his shooting skills and sense of flair have taken center stage on social media.

Without any of the specialized gear that his opponents were wearing, he arrived at the event wearing casual trousers and a t-shirt. Audiences were taken aback when he eventually won a silver.

Dikec is utterly unfazed by his unexpected fame. In an interview with the Turkish media, Dikec revealed his technique and said:

“My shooting technique is one of the rare shooting techniques in the world. I shoot with both eyes open. Even the referees are surprised by this.”

He continued by expressing his satisfaction 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."

This performance in Paris is the 51-year-old's 5th Olympic Games appearance. He plans to compete for gold in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He is a two-time World Champion and five-time European Champion.

Hence, Yusuf Dikec is the only Olympics' breakthrough star for this year. Despite becoming viral, the image of Pongsak Pongsuwan was a fake one.