Yukun Liu of Team People's Republic of China reacts in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men's Final. GETTY IMAGES

Shooting resumed in Paris with the men's 50-meter rifle 3-position final, where Liu Yukun was the most accurate, with the podium completed by Ukrainian Serhiy Kulish and India's Swapnil Kusale.

Shooting was one of the nine events held at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. More than a century later, it remains relevant in the modern 21st-century society.

Today, the competition started early at 9 a.m. at the National Shooting Center in Châteauroux, Paris. The training sessions served as a prelude to gauge if the shooters' performances would align with the expectations.

At 9:30, the ribbon was cut for the men's 50-meter rifle 3 positions final. It was the only medal event in the shooting discipline today, with fierce competition among the participants.

Coincidentally, Chinese Liu Yukun has the word "lucky" embroidered on one leg of his shooting uniform. However, his Olympic victory in the 50-meter rifle 3 positions category had nothing to do with luck. At 27, in his first Olympic appearance, this showman proved to be a true master of the sport.

Gold medalist Yukun Liu of China, Silver medalist Serhiy Kulish of Ukraine and Bronze Swapnil Kusale of India pose on the podium. GETTY IMAGES
Gold medalist Yukun Liu of China, Silver medalist Serhiy Kulish of Ukraine and Bronze Swapnil Kusale of India pose on the podium. GETTY IMAGES

In May, Yukun broke the world record twice at the Baku World Cup, and he was not to be outdone in Châteauroux. He once again impressed his supporters, who waved flags in his support. In the final, 31-year-old Ukrainian Serhiy Kulish added another silver to his collection from Rio 2016, while 28-year-old Indian Swapnil Kusale earned a well-deserved third place.

"I just believe in myself. I have a lot of confidence. The audience, the applause, and the environment influenced me, but I tried to control my thoughts and stay focused," the newly crowned Chinese Olympic gold medalist said after his burst of joy.

Following the medal ceremony, the women's 50-meter air rifle 3 positions qualification took place, with tremendous drama at the end.

Seonaid McIntosh lost significant standing as one of the favorites for the gold medal. Her score of 189 in the standings section was the lowest among the top 20 and cost her a spot in the final.

Sagen Maddalena of Team United States reacts after competing in the Shooting 10m Air Rifle Mix Team Qualification. GETTY IMAGES
Sagen Maddalena of Team United States reacts after competing in the Shooting 10m Air Rifle Mix Team Qualification. GETTY IMAGES

On the flip side, Natalia Kochanska and Stephanie Grundsoee qualified early, and Nadine Ungerank also secured a place among the top eight. From fourth to eighth place, all athletes scored 589 points.

Swiss Chiara Leone was third with a score of 592, while Sagen Maddalena and Zhang Qiongyue, both scoring 593 with a new Olympic record guaranteed under this new qualification system, finished in the top two spots.