More than his silver medal, Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec has turned out to be an internet sensation after his calm and casual demeanour in the Olympics 2024 was loved by the netizens.
In a picture which went viral on social media, Dikec was seen holding the pistol targeting the point wearing a simple t-shirt, keeping one hand in pocket and without much protections which are conventionally chosen by a shooter. A meme fest followed his viral photo at the Games.
Dikec, 51, is not all new to the mega international sporting event but an experienced one as he participated in all summer Olympics since 2008.
51-year-old Turkish athlete Yusuf Dike shocked everyone at the Olympics, when he took a shot without any specialised gadget. Look at how relaxed he was when shooting.
Paradise.Shatta Wale.Cardi B.Cowardpic.twitter.com/dhzpeN98XX
Realer AB (@simplejherph) August 2, 2024
This time in Paris, the shooter has created history by winning the first-ever Olympics medal for his country in shooting.
Dikec won a silver medal with his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the 10-meter air pistol event on Tuesday. However, owing to his cool posture, the spotlight shifted to him and not to his female mate.
Serbias Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic won the gold medal while Indias Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched the bronze.
Why didnt Dikec wear gears like other participants?
Shooters in the Olympics have certain freedom about their outfits in the competition.
Speaking to Turkish channel TGRT Haber, Dikec said, as quoted by Al Jazeera, he had adopted the rare technique of shooting with both eyes open whereas most athletes keep one closed or obscured.
My shooting technique is one of the rare shooting techniques in the world. I shoot with both eyes open. Even the referees are surprised by this, he said.
This year we prepared a lot and worked a lot. This success belongs to all of Turkey. Success doesnt come with your hands in your pockets, he said.
Dikec was wearing yellow earplugs to block out distractions while he shot in the final. They just werent visible from the angle of the image which went viral, said TRT World.
Personal life story unverified yet
There are stories circulating about his personal life with a Facebook post claiming that he works as a mechanic in a small garage in Istanbul, and first picked up a gun during a particularly frustrating divorce mediation. But his personal life, especially about his wife and divorce, are not verified by mainstream media yet.
Internet loves Yusuf Dikec
Video clip of Yusuf Dike at the Olympics taking taking the shot that became an international sensation: pic.twitter.com/vrNP2xr3yX
Adrian Dittmann (@AdrianDittmann) August 1, 2024
Yusuf Dikec, you have the best equipmenta sharpshooters vision. Congratulations and Best wishes. -Sg #Paris2024 https://t.co/qKGoXXIWPF
Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) August 1, 2024
The 51-year-old Turkish athlete Yusuf Dike makes a statement about going viral for competing at the Olympics without specialized equipment and winning a silver medal.
I did not need special equipment. Im a natural, a natural shooter pic.twitter.com/cTF6dJ2yD5
kira ? (@kirawontmiss) August 1, 2024
Whats an Olympic Games without characters?
I never needed any special equipment. My friends ask me about it. Even other professional shooters ask me about it I tell them that I am just a natural, a natural shooter, 51 yr old Yusuf Dikec told Turkish media.#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/vGSz9kqMEU
Susan Ninan (@ninansusan) August 2, 2024
