Turkish Shooter Yusuf Dikeç’s Nonchalant Style Goes Viral at Olympics
In an Olympic competition where participants generally use all the available equipment at their disposal to get ahead, Turkey’s Yusuf Dikeç offered a masterclass in nonchalance during the air pistol mixed team competition Tuesday – and went viral for it.
Contrasting Styles in Olympic Shooting
Kim Yeji of Team Republic of Korea prepares to shoot during the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Final on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Chateauroux Shooting Centre in Chateauroux, France, on July 28, 2024. While his opponents took to the competition with specialized equipment – custom glasses to obscure vision in one eye, large ear protection, and tinted lenses – Dikeç managed to claim Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting with teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in what looked to be his everyday glasses and one hand in his pocket.
Dikeç’s Unique Shooting Technique
“I shoot with both eyes, most shooters do it with one. So I didn’t want all that equipment. Shooting with two eyes — I believe that it’s better. I’ve done a lot of research on it, so I didn’t need the equipment,” Dikeç told Turkish radio station Radyo Gol. “Shooting with my hand in my pocket has nothing to do with artistry. I am more motivated and feel more comfortable while shooting,” he said, adding that this stance “is actually about bringing the body to equilibrium and focusing and concentrating.”
Viral Sensation
Photos of the casual 51-year-old went viral – not least because of the stark comparison to pictures of Olympic shooting superstar Kim Yeji, whose cap, futuristic glasses, and calm composure wouldn’t look out of place on a street style-inspired runway. Kim won silver at the 10-meter air pistol event on Sunday, with her 19-year-old teammate Oh Ye Jin taking the gold.
Social Media Reactions
One social media user said of Dikeç, “Top confidence. A hand in the pocket. No specialized lenses, no problem. Too easy for him.” Another lauded his “insane aura,” while Mexican outlet Diario Récord wrote, “At 51 years old, he competed in the Olympic Games as if he were on the patio at his home!”
Dikeç’s Olympic Journey
After securing the silver, Dikeç said: “I’m very happy. An Olympic medal is an Olympic medal, and in Los Angeles [at the 2028 Games], hopefully, it’s a gold medal.” Serbia’s Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec took the gold, while India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh took bronze in the nail-biting competition, but all of the fanfare and plaudits from social media went to Dikeç.
Fans Adore Dikeç’s Personal Side
If his shooting skills weren’t enough, Dikeç was also winning fans over for being a “cat person,” which people found out as they scrolled through his Instagram page. It’s safe to say that these Games are creating plenty of sporting heroes and legends, both on and off the competitive field.
Conclusion
Yusuf Dikeç’s relaxed approach and stellar performance have not only earned him an Olympic medal but also a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. His unique style and personal charm have made him a standout figure in the 2024 Olympics, proving that sometimes, less is more.(jilibet)