Oznur Cure Girdi Shines with Paralympic Archery Gold in Paris 2024

Oznur Cure Girdi, a 26-year-old Turkish para-archer, etched her name in history with a stunning performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, winning the gold medal in the women’s compound archery event. Her victory marked not only a personal achievement but also a defining moment for Turkish para-sports on the global stage. Cure Girdi’s gold was a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, reinforced by a record-breaking performance in the ranking round, where she surpassed the 700-point barrier, setting a new world record.

Her dominance throughout the competition was evident. In the final match, Cure Girdi faced Iran’s Fatemeh Hemmati, a formidable opponent in her own right. The match started as a tight contest, with both archers tied after the first end. However, Cure Girdi soon began to pull away, delivering consistent 10s and 9s, which allowed her to gain a crucial 2-point lead. By the final end, she had extended her advantage to 3 points, securing her 144-141 victory. This triumph not only granted her the gold but also cemented her status as one of the top para-archers in the world.

The emotional weight of the victory was visible as Cure Girdi broke down in tears following her win. “I believed in the medal already after the ranking round and my world record,” she shared after the competition, expressing her joy at achieving what she had worked so hard for. “I worked really hard for this. It’s great!” she exclaimed, holding back tears. The athlete credited her team for helping her maintain her composure during the competition, explaining that working with a sports psychologist had been key in managing the pressure of such high-stakes matches. “We’ve a huge team, and we practice a lot with our psychologist. In the preparation period, we did a lot of exercises to control my nerves,” Cure Girdi said. This mental preparation paid off as she displayed unwavering focus during the crucial moments of the final.

Her gold medal marks the pinnacle of a journey that began long before the Paris Games. Cure Girdi’s rise in the world of para archery has been marked by dedication, overcoming obstacles, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her success in Paris underscores not only her talent but also the growing prominence of Turkish athletes in the Paralympic movement.

While Cure Girdi celebrated her triumph, the competition saw other memorable moments. Fatemeh Hemmati’s silver medal capped off an impressive run, including a victory over the defending champion Phoebe Paterson Pine of Great Britain in the semifinals. Hemmati’s strong showing in the final, though not enough to defeat Cure Girdi, demonstrated her prowess and sportsmanship.

The bronze medal match, however, provided another emotional storyline. British archer Jodie Grinham, competing while 6.5 months pregnant, delivered an incredible performance to claim her first individual Paralympic medal. In a thrilling encounter with her teammate Phoebe Paterson Pine, Grinham needed two 10s in the final end to secure the victory, which she achieved in dramatic fashion. Grinham's determination and resilience were on full display as she clinched the bronze, a moment that drew applause and admiration from the crowd.

Oznur Cure Girdi’s gold medal victory in Paris is a testament to her skill, mental toughness, and determination. Her historic win not only solidifies her place among the elite in para archery but also inspires countless others with disabilities to pursue their dreams. As the Paralympic Games continue, her achievement will remain a defining moment of the Paris 2024 event.