Yusuf Dikec, the Turkish pistol shooter, gained viral fame at the 2024 Olympics for his unique style and casual demeanor.
Dikec shot in a T-shirt, one hand in his pocket, and standard glasses, showing an unusually relaxed attitude for Olympic shooting. His calm demeanor and casual posture led some to compare him to a regular person or even a hitman.
Dikec, 51, is not a newcomer to the Olympics.
Since 2008, he has competed in every Summer Games, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. Although his appearance was casual, his performance was extraordinary. Consequently, he and Sevval Ilayda Tarhan won silver in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, marking Turkey’s first Olympic medal in shooting.
Dikec finished 13th in his individual event and is done for Paris 2024. He’s already aiming for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
As for his viral status, Dikec seems to be enjoying the attention.
He shared Turkish memes on Instagram, embracing the buzz with humor. After the shooting events, Dikec and Tarhan traveled to Paris. They were warmly welcomed at Champions Park, where medalists celebrate with fans.
Interestingly, Dikec’s choice of attire has sparked curiosity.
In shooting, athletes have the freedom to choose their attire. Many opt for visors or blinders to reduce glare and enhance focus. However, Dikec took a minimalist approach. Although he wore yellow earplugs to block distractions, they were not visible in the viral images. Similarly, Liu Yukun, who won gold, also used earplugs but chose not to wear a blinder or visor.
Additionally, other shooters have also made headlines at the 2024 Olympics.
South Korean shooter Kim Yeji has gained social media fame for her confident stance and “main character energy.” The official Olympics account on X highlighted Kim and Dikec as standout stars who captivated fans in surprising ways.
Kim Yeji won silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event, behind her South Korean teammate Oh Ye Jin.
They are roommates and Kim expressed happiness for her teammate’s gold win, viewing her like a “youngest sibling.” Kim will compete again on Friday in the qualification rounds for the women’s 25-meter pistol event, continuing to showcase her talent and charisma.