Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç, who won the silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, became a name everyone is talking about. Yusuf Dikeç, who shot with one hand in his pocket and without using optical devices, set himself apart from his competitors in the competition held on Wednesday. Dikeç's second place finish with her partner Şevval İlayda Tarhan and her composure made her a social media sensation overnight."Turkey sent a 51-year-old man without special lenses, eye protection or ear protection and he won the silver medal," read a post on social media account X. The post has been viewed more than 90 million times.
Most Olympic shooters wear special ear protection and lenses to block the vision in one eye and reduce glare. But Dikeç apparently didn't need any of these and narrowly missed out on the gold medal. Serbian duo Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec won the gold medal.
'Success doesn't come with your hands in your pockets'
Paris 2024 is Dikeç's fifth Olympics. He previously represented Turkey in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. He also holds various titles in the World and European Championships in various shooting events she has participated in.
Dikec is also a retired gendarmerie sergeant.
Dikeç told the Turkish media, "I didn't need any special equipment," and added, "I am a natural shooter."
Ironically, another statement Dikeç made to the local press was, "Success doesn't come with your hands in your pockets." Dikeç's strikingly relaxed style was also featured on the official Olympics social media account.