Rapid-Fire Pistol, 25 metres, Men

Li Yuehong had been a contender for medals at major championships for over a decade, but in 2023 and 2024 he had hit a purple patch in his career. He had won three gold medals at the 2023 World Championships, with an especially dominant performance in rapid fire pistol, highlighted by a world record score in the final. His main rivals should have been the representatives of the host country, reigning champion Jean Quiquampoix and two-time World silver medalist Clément Bessaguet, but they failed to live up to their reputations, with Quiquampoix finishing well down the field and Bessaguet being eliminated early in the final.

Li Yuehong led the qualifiers for the final, and was in gold medal position until surprisingly overtaken by Korean soldier Jo Yeong-Jae at the halfway point. The final three series of shots were a triumph for Li and disappointing for Jo, as the Chinese marksman exerted his superiority to claim the Olympic championships. Jo held on for silver, with Li’s Chinese compatriot Wang Xinjie adding to China’s medal haul with the bronze medal.