Paris Olympics Bronze medallist Manu Bhaker waves during the medal ceremony. REUTERS
Recounting how Manu Bhaker stood strong as she strode to India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics.
In a final of eight contestants, five betrayed their nerves. Only Korea’s Oh ye Jin, Kim Yeji and India’s Manu Bhaker were consistently in the running for the medal positions. Here’s how it played out:
Stage 1: No stage fright
The first 10 shots in the 10m Air Pistol final are crucial. They can help build a lead, and give an indication of where a shooter is mentally. Manu was third after 10 shots – scoring 50.4 after five and 100.3 after 10 – but Korea’s Oh ye Jin was clearly in some next-level form, shooting an incredible Olympic final start of 52.2 in her first five shots, and reaching 101.7 with her next 5.
After 1st 5 shots
Stage 2 sets the stage
The best indicator of Manu’s intentions came with two shots. A 10.5 and 10.4 back-to-back – while not high 10s – in the midst of a field frantically trying to chase the Koreans, these two shots put her at the front of the chasing pack, while also putting some distance between her and the rest. Good shots matter even more when they come at the right moment.
Shots 11 and 12
Koreans complete the one-two
Manu’s level stayed good enough to keep her in medal contention thereafter, but with high nines and low 10s. Before the final two shots, she was 0.6 behind Yeji. Their first shots saw Yeji hit a 9.4 and Bhaker a 10.1, giving the Indian a 0.1 lead going into the final. Bhaker went first and hit a competitive 10.3 but Yeji came up clutch and managed a 10.5. Manu would have to do with the bronze.
Manu’s final two shots
Final medal standings
Oh ye Jin- 243.2 (OR)
Kim Yeji 241.3
Manu Bhaker 221.7
