Turkish air pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec clinched a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, capturing the hearts of millions with his minimalistic approach to the sport.
Competing in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event alongside Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, Dikec defied the norms by using regular prescription glasses and simple earplugs, rather than the specialized gear typically seen in Olympic shooting. This unusual approach did not deter him, as he and Tarhan secured Turkey’s first-ever medal in Olympic shooting on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old veteran, participating in his fifth Olympic Games since his debut in Beijing 2008, became an instant internet sensation. A photograph of Dikec, appearing casual with one hand in his pocket while shooting, went viral on social media. The image, which has garnered over 21 million views on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted his unique style and calm demeanor under pressure.
The viral photograph sparked a flurry of reactions online. Many users celebrated Dikec’s relaxed posture, likening him to a “regular guy” competing at the Olympics. Memes flooded the internet, comparing Dikec to his more formally equipped competitors, such as Serbian shooter Damir Mikec, who wore a blinder, a lens, and large ear defenders.
Dikec, embracing his newfound fame, reposted a compilation of Turkish-language memes on his Instagram, further endearing himself to fans worldwide.
The silver medal in the mixed team event was a historic moment for Turkey. Despite finishing 13th in his individual event, Dikec expressed optimism about his future in the sport. “I hope next in Los Angeles [for] a gold medal,” he said, looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics.
While Dikec’s minimalist gear was the talk of the town, it was revealed that he did use yellow earplugs during the final, which were not visible in the viral image. This understated approach contrasts with the heavily equipped styles of many competitors but underscores the flexibility athletes have in choosing their gear.
Dikec is not the only shooter to capture social media’s attention at the Paris Games. South Korean pistol shooter Kim Yeji also went viral for her confident demeanor and dramatic stance, earning praise for her “main character energy.” Kim won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event, behind her compatriot Oh Ye Jin.
Following their triumph, Dikec and Tarhan traveled to Paris, where they were greeted with cheers at the Champions Park, an open-air venue celebrating medalists with fans. The shooting events, held around three hours south of Paris, concluded with Dikec and Tarhan’s victorious return to the French capital.