Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikec Becomes Internet Sensation at Paris Olympics – Hollywood Life
The cool, calm, and collected Turkish pistol shooter has found himself in the grips of online fandom while securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday.
Yusuf Dikec, alongside his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, took second place in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. But what noticeably stood out was Dikec’s lack of gear– special lenses or big ear protectors–for the competition.
The most-shared images show Dikec shooting in a T-shirt with one hand in his pocket, a seemingly standard pair of glasses, and an unfazed look on his face. He’s been likened to a regular guy off the street competing at the Olympics, or even an unsuspecting hitman.
legend pic.twitter.com/iPpNOrfyiL
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) July 31, 2024
The 51-year-old is no newcomer, though. He has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2008
“I did not require special equipment.” I’m a natural, a natural shooter,” Dikec was quoted as telling Turkish media, according to EuroNews.
Teammate Tarhan, who spoke with Reuters, expressed that the overnight celebrity status is well-earned.
“I’m proud of him, but it’s not that he does not have equipment,” the 24-year-old said. “He is used to shooting without extra equipment and has been doing it for years.” It’s his personal preference and he feels comfortable doing it that way.”
Yusuf Dikcec, who won a Silver Medal at the Men’s 10-meter air pistol competition for Turkiye is now going viral. Cool cat … #Paris2024
by @ dontlikethatbro pic.twitter.com/ox69mtnZNR
— Hey! Dip Your Toes in (@dipyourtoesin), August 2, 2024
Dikec seems a little surprised by the level of interest that has been shown for something he does so naturally. “Since I shoot with my both eyes open, I don’t find the equipment very comfortable.”
“No lens, no headphones, just vibes,” Eurosport wrote on X. “Turkey’s Yusuf Dikec wins silver and fans’ hearts.”
The most “Main Character Energy” I’ve ever seen in my life.pic.twitter.com/ExuXVxB3VB
— Del Walker (@TheCartelDel) July 30, 2024
The viral photo came after South Korean air pistol competitor
Kim Yeji also went viral for looking like a movie star during her turn at the Olympics. Social media praised her for her “main-character energy” and confident demeanor.
