South Korean pistol shooter Kim Ye-ji, who recently won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, collapsed during a news conference on Friday in Imsil, a county in southern South Korea where Kim has represented for seven years.
According to a county official, the collapse was likely due to stress and exhaustion. Kim, known for her composed demeanour and distinctive futuristic glasses that enhance her shooting precision, became a social media sensation during the games.
Her style and performance earned her the nickname “smiling assassin” back home. During the event in Imsil, Kim briefly lost consciousness but regained it and was promptly taken to the hospital for observation. Contrary to some reports, she did not require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The 31-year-old shooter will remain in the hospital until she has fully recovered. Her sudden health scare follows a period of intense competition and heightened public attention. Recently, she was mentioned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on social media platform X, suggesting she could star in an action movie, which further increased her visibility and public interest.
Kim’s condition highlights the often-overlooked pressures and physical demands placed on Olympic athletes, especially following high-profile competitions like the Paris Games.
