Turkish archer Mete Gazoz’s epic comeback at Paris 2024 Olympics
Mete Gazoz of Team Türkiye competes against Thomas Chirault of Team France in the archery men's individual elimination round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 4, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish archer Mete Gazoz advanced to the quarterfinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gazoz faced French competitor Thomas Chirault in the classic bow event’s round of 16, held at the Invalides in Paris.
The match began with Chirault taking an early lead by winning the first set 29-25. The second set ended in a tie at 28-28.
Chirault then won the third set 27-26, putting him ahead 5-1. However, Gazoz remained determined and secured victories in the fourth and fifth sets, both with scores of 29-28, leveling the match at 5-5.
In the deciding shoot-off, Gazoz delivered a perfect 10, while Chirault managed only a 9. This final score secured Gazoz’s victory with a 6-5 comeback, advancing him to the quarterfinals.
All about Mete Gazoz’s impressive archery career
Mete Gazoz, born on June 8, 1999, in Istanbul, has had a distinguished career in archery. He started his international journey in 2013 and reached the second position in the world rankings for the men’s recurve category on May 10, 2021.
Gazoz won Türkiye’s first Olympic gold medal in archery at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, defeating Italian Mauro Nespoli 6-4 in the men’s individual archery category.
Gazoz’s international achievements include a silver medal at the 2013 World Youth Archery Championships in Wuxi, China, a silver medal at the 2016 European Archery Championships in Nottingham, and multiple gold medals at the 2018 Berlin World Cup.
He was named the best male recurve archer of 2018 by the World Archery Federation.
Turkish archer Mete Gazoz’s contributions beyond sports
In 2021, Gazoz and Yasemin Ecem Anagoz won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the World Archery Championships in the United States.
He also clinched a bronze medal in the men’s individual recurve at the 2022 European Archery Championships in Munich.
Gazoz has used his platform for charitable causes, auctioning his bow from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to support the education of children affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaras-Gaziantep earthquake.
Mete Gazoz’s quarterfinal match in the Paris 2024 Olympics is scheduled to take place at 2:13 local time (TSI).
