In the annals of Olympic history, there are always moments that captivate the world, not only because of their sporting achievements but also because of their unexpected charm.
Yusuf Dikeç, a 51-year-old Turkish pistol shooter, provided one such moment at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
In the 10-meter air pistol mixed team competition, Dikeç and his partner, Şevval İlayda Tarhan, secured the silver medal for Turkey, the country’s first-ever Olympic shooting medal. This achievement alone was significant, but it was Dikeç’s unique approach to the competition that really caught the world’s attention.
Turkey sent a 51 yr old guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the silver medal pic.twitter.com/sFKcsRzvrw
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) July 31, 2024
During the final round, Dikeç was seen shooting with one hand casually tucked into his pocket, wearing a normal T-shirt and glasses — a stark contrast to his competitors, who were equipped with special equipment such as visors, blinders and elaborate hearing protection.
I love how everyone uses specialized lenses for shooting to avoid blur and increase precision…
But then Turkey sends out a guy who looks like he just picked up the gun for fun and wins silver.
(h/t @paposfut) pic.twitter.com/KXHCHDccpp
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 31, 2024
His relaxed demeanor and casual style quickly became a sensation on social media. Pictures and videos of his performance were shared millions of times.
South Korea sent a fully-kitted out player for the Olympic shooting.
Turkey sent an guy with no specialized lenses, eye cover or ear protection and got the silver medal pic.twitter.com/8xJOr9qCPf— LogKa (@LogKa11) July 31, 2024
Born in 1973 in Turkey’s southeastern Kahramanmaraş province, Dikeç is no stranger to shooting sports. As a noncommissioned officer in the Turkish gendarmerie, Dikeç has been a prominent figure in international shooting competitions for years.
This is what you call aura
51-year-old Yusuf Dikec of Turkey shows up without any specialist equipment for shooting, looking like he just came out of the crowd and gave it a go… he just casually took home silver at the Olympics 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ANrB7PyfxP
— LADbible (@ladbible) July 31, 2024
He has won numerous awards in his career, including medals at the Mediterranean Games and top places in World Cup and European Championship competitions.
insane aura
51-yr old Yusuf Dikec of Turkey shows up to the Olympics for shooting without special lenses…
without ear protection…
hand in his pocket & both eyes open…
and casually takes home a silver medal pic.twitter.com/qRB3kwRZmz
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 31, 2024
Dikeç’s participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was his fifth consecutive participation in the Summer Games.
The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed.
🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 1, 2024
The mixed team competition took place at the Chateauroux Shooting Center, located a few hours south of Paris.
After their achievement, Dikeç and Tarhan traveled to the French capital, where they were greeted by enthusiastic fans at Champions Park, where medal winners are celebrated in the open air.
The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed.
🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 1, 2024
The internet was abuzz with admiration and amusement at Dikeç’s nonchalant approach. Memes and posts praising his “insane aura” and comparing him to the “main character” in a movie flooded platforms like X. Users appreciated the stark contrast between Dikeç’s minimalist gear and the elaborate gear of other competitors.
Yusuf Dikeç from Turkiye came with only his glasses and won the silver medal at the Olympics. King like John Wick is on the world agenda👏
— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) August 1, 2024
In one particularly viral post, images of Dikec were juxtaposed with those of his Serbian opponent Damir Mikec, who was equipped with a blinder, a lens and large earmuffs.
Average Olympic Shooter/Average Turkish Enjoyer pic.twitter.com/LC3K4qEJg9
— Halil Babilli 🇦🇺 (@halilbabilli) July 31, 2024
The simplicity of Dikec’s equipment — normal glasses and discreet earplugs — made his performance all the more impressive and endearing to fans.
Despite his newfound internet fame, Dikec remains down-to-earth and focused on his future in the sport. He has expressed a desire to continue competing, with an eye on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to win a gold medal.
I know everyone is loving the South Korean pistol shooter in the Olympics with robocop vibes. I present you the Turkish pistol shooter. 51 years old. Flip flops, hands in pocket. He would’ve lit a cigarette if he could. My vibe.
(He got🥈btw)#OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/MrnO8Q5oiy
— Kerem (@kerem) July 31, 2024
At a time when sport is often dominated by high-tech equipment and intense preparation, Dikeç’s achievement was refreshing for the fans who tuned in for Olympics around the world.