Claim: A viral photo shows a ‘new legend of Olympics’ shooting backwards.
Fact Check: False. The photo is edited.
Investigation
A viral photo claims to show a ‘new legend of Olympics’ shooting backwards. However, this image has been edited. The original photo featured Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who was replaced by Thai comedian Pongsak Pongsuwan.
Our Findings
- Reverse Image Search: A reverse image search led us to a news report about Yusuf Dikec, featuring a similar photo. Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec won a silver medal in the 10-meter Air Pistol Mixed Team event. The 51-year-old shooter became an internet sensation for competing without any optical gadgets, eye cover, or ear protection.
- Comparison of Photos: A comparison between the original photo of Dikec and the viral one shows clear differences. The viral photo has been altered to replace Dikec with Pongsak Pongsuwan.
- Social Media Clues: Further investigation led us to a tweet by “Thai Enquirer,” a media outlet in Thailand. The tweet contained a collage of multiple Olympic shooters, including the viral photo. The caption read, “Another shooter has entered the scene: Thai comedian Pongsak ‘Theng Therdtherng’ Pongsuwan.”
- Media Report: We found a media report about Pongsuwan, a comedian known for his appearances on “Ching Roi Ching Larn,” a comedy show by Thai TV production company Workpoint Entertainment.
- Video Evidence: Additional searches led us to a video of the comedy show featuring Pongsuwan on the official YouTube channel of Workpoint Official. In the video, Pongsuwan can be seen using a mirror to aim backwards and shoot at a balloon behind his back. At the 3:10 mark, he is in the same pose as in the viral photo.
Conclusion
The viral photo claiming to show a ‘new legend of Olympics’ shooting backwards is edited. The original image featured Turkish Olympian Yusuf Dikec, and it has been altered to include Thai comedian Pongsak Pongsuwan.