In a moment of national pride, Serbian shooters Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec secured the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games. This triumphant victory in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event marks a significant achievement, not only for the athletes but also for Serbia as a whole. The gold win is particularly special given the dramatic nature of their final match against Turkish duo Jusuf Dikec and Seval Ilajda Tarhan, which ended with a nail-biting 16-14 score after a tense battle.

According to the Serbian Olympic Committee, the golden duo is expected to return to Belgrade on August 1 at around 11 PM, where a media conference will be held to celebrate their success. Their return flight will be met with great excitement as Serbia prepares to welcome its champions.

Throughout their journey, Zorana Arunović, who secured her first Olympic medal, and Damir Mikec, who had previously earned silver in Tokyo, demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance. The emotional victory concluded with the Serbian national anthem playing, bringing tears of joy and a deep sense of achievement to the athletes.

The road to gold was paved with remarkable performances, including a second-place finish in the qualifying rounds, where they scored 581 points. The anticipation grew as they faced the Turkish team, who led the qualifiers with 582 points. The battle for bronze saw India and South Korea competing fiercely, showcasing the high level of competition at this year's games.

In addition to their Olympic glory, Arunović and Mikec's victory ensures them national recognition and financial rewards. According to Serbian regulations, athletes who win medals at major competitions are entitled to a national pension. For gold medalists from the Olympics, this pension is equivalent to three times the average net salary from the preceding December, amounting to approximately 270,000 dinars.

The emotional journey of the duo was vividly evident when Zorana Arunović, upon realizing their victory, leaped into Damir Mikec's arms, a moment that encapsulated the triumph and joy felt not just by them, but by the entire nation. This sentiment resonates deeply, as both athletes had narrowly missed medals in individual events, making their team success all the more poignant.

This victory also rekindles memories of previous Olympic achievements. Damir Mikec adds this gold to his silver from Tokyo, completing an impressive collection of Olympic medals. For Serbia, this win comes as a beacon of national pride, with the entire country joining the celebration.

Arunović and Mikec's triumph is more than just a personal achievement; it is a national event that has captivated the Serbian public. The celebration in Šaterou, joined by their coaches, siblings, and fellow competitors, highlighted the communal spirit and support that has been vital to their success.

As the Serbian national flag waved proudly, the victory was not just a sporting success but a symbol of hope and determination for future generations. The performance of these athletes stands as an inspiration, with upcoming talents like Lazar Kovačević set to compete in future events, carrying the torch of ambition and national pride further.

The Paris Olympics has also been a platform for other nations, with Croatia's Miran Maričić winning a bronze medal in the 10-meter air rifle event, showcasing the regional talent in competitive shooting sports.

In summary, the overwhelming success of Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec at the Paris Olympics has ignited joy and pride across Serbia. Their journey from meticulous preparation to emotional victory demonstrates the heart of competition and the spirit of sportsmanship. While the celebration marks the end of this Olympic chapter, it also signifies the beginning of a lasting legacy for Serbian sports on the world stage.