Yusuf Dikec has captured the internet’s attention with his relaxed and casual approach during the 2024 Olympics. Wearing a simple T-shirt, shooting with one hand in his pocket, and sporting ordinary-looking glasses, it felt like Dikec was on a casual day out rather than an Olympic competition. At 51, the Turkish shooter Olympics star is a seasoned Olympian, having competed in every Summer Games since 2008.
Did Dikec Win a Medal?
Of course! Dikec, alongside his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, won the silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, making history as Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting. Interestingly, both Dikec and Tarhan embraced a more relaxed shooting style, with Dikec keeping his gear minimal and Tarhan sporting ear defenders and a visor, all while shooting with one hand in her pocket.
What Dikec Thinks About Going Viral
Dikec seems to be enjoying the attention. He shared a video compilation of Turkish-language memes about his viral moment on his Instagram page, showing he’s got a good sense of humor about it all. After the event, Dikec and Tarhan traveled to Paris, where they received a warm welcome at Champions Park, a venue where medalists celebrate with fans.
Olympic shooters have some flexibility in how they dress for competition. While many use visors or blinders to help them focus, Dikec chose a simpler approach, using only yellow earplugs to block out distractions. These weren’t visible in the viral images, which added to the casual vibe. He’s not alone in this approach; Chinese rifle shooter Liu Yukun also competed without a blinder or visor and won a gold medal.
“Yusuf Dikec is merely a name and a symbol. I am incredibly happy to be in the spotlight as a Turkish athlete rather than just as Yusuf Dikec,” he said. He explained that his silver medal represents 24 years of commitment, including six days a week of intense training, each session lasting four to five hours. While some might think his victory came easily, Dikec stressed the immense effort behind it.
“People sometimes say, ‘You won the medal easily, with your hands in your pockets.’ That’s the external perception. The reality is 24 years of effort. I train six days a week, doing 4-5 hours of training each day,” he explained.
Dikec shared his goal of winning gold at the 2028 Olympics. While he might have retired if he had won gold in Paris, his passion for competing keeps him going. His 9-year-old daughter, Basak, was a major source of inspiration, offering guidance and support leading up to the Paris Games. Dikec hopes his story and achievements will inspire future athletes to chase their dreams and reach new heights in their sports.
Other Shooters Gone Viral at the 2024 Olympics
Dikec isn’t the only shooter who has caught the public’s eye. South Korean pistol shooter Kim Yeji has also gained attention for her confident demeanor and dramatic stance, often referred to as “main character energy.” The official Olympics account on X (formerly Twitter) even praised her along with Dikec. Kim won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event.
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