Olympics 2024 Viral Sensation and Silver Medalist: Yusuf Dikec
The 51 year old Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec made a name for himself upon winning silver at the Olympics 2024 in Paris. But not only that, he instantly became famous because of his stance and shooting without any special gear. He was wearing a shooting t-shirt with one and in his pocket, a standard pair of eyeglasses. He was described by many as a regular guy competing in the Olympics.
Silver Medalist at the Paris Olympics 2024
Dikec made history as he and his teammate were the first ones to ever receive a medal in Olympic shooting for Turkey. Dikec along with Sevval Iilayda Tarhan were in a mixed team in 10-metre air pistol. Unlike him, his teammate Tarhan was seen competing with a large ear defenders, a visor, and has braids in the red and white colors of the Turkish flag. One thing they have in common is that they are both shooting with their one hand on their pocket. Dikec placed 13th in his individual event and is now done with the Olympics.
Social Media Sensation: Yusuf Dikec
While Dikec is already back in Turkey, he did not respond to the questions of the media seeking his reaction to his global fame. According to his teammate, Tarhan, he earned his celebrity status. She added, “I’m proud of him, but it’s not that he does not have equipment. He’s used to shooting with regular glasses and does not need extra gear. It’s a personal thing and he’s comfortable that way.” Tarhan also agrees that Dikec fitted the description of “cool:. She added that “at the same time, he’s very warm to people close to him. You can crack jokes with him, share anything with him. I’m happy to see him getting the attention.”
5 Facts About Yusuf Dikec
1. Olympic Veteran
Yusuf Dikec is not new to the Olympics as he has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2008. He first participated in the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 at age 35, and competed again in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
2. First Silver in Paris
Dikec might be a veteran when it comes to participating in the Olympics, this is the first time he won an award. He got his first ever silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. He, alongside his teammate Illayda Tarhan, won the silver medal in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event. This is Turkey’s first medal in Olympic shooting.
3. Forgoing the Official Visor
Many shooters at the Olympic shooting range in Chateauroux, central France, choose to wear regulation visors, also called blinders, over one eye to reduce glare and get better focus. He chose not to and shot with both eyes open. He said he was comfortable shooting with his eyes both open. In the Olympics, there are no rules in shooting whether they need to wear a specific gear or not.
4. He wore Hearing Protection
While there are plenty of photos in the internet that are circulating, stating that Dikec wasn’t wearing any protection, he was. He was wearing yellow earplugs during the finals. However, the earplugs were not as visible in the images that went viral.
5. Los Angeles 2028
Yusuf Dikec placed 13th in the singles and completed his run at the Olympics. When asked if he’s done with his shooting stint. He said that he’s looking ahead of his next games in 2028. He added, “I hope to win a gold medal next time in Los Angeles.”
The Olympics is a prestigious event that has gathered all the elite athletes across the world. While Yusuf Dikec became famous for his looks, he is already a veteran in the Olympics and was able to make a name for himself. He won plenty of awards including a double gold medal in the 25m standard pistol and 25m center-fire pistol at the 2013 European Shooting Championship held in Croatia. He is more than a “casual guy” as he was able to prove himself in the field of shooting. He is Turkey’s pride more than being a viral sensation.
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