With his run-of-the-mill prescription glasses and nonchalant pose, Turkish Olympic shooter and Paris 2024 silver medalist Yusuf Dikeç has been propelled to viral stardom.
Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikeç, with his understated style and classic prescription glasses, has become an unexpected internet sensation following the Paris 2024 Olympics. His seemingly nonchalant demeanor and impressive silver medal performance in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event have captivated social media.
Despite the advanced gear typically used by Olympic shooters—specialized lenses, ear protection, and high-tech accessories—Dikeç stood out with his relaxed approach and lack of equipment. His silver medal, achieved alongside his partner Şevval İlayda Tarhan, has sparked widespread admiration online.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the uniqueness of Dikeç’s performance: “Turkey sent a 51-year-old with no specialized lenses or ear protection and got the silver medal,” which had garnered nearly 90 million views.
Most Olympic shooters invest in specialized gear to enhance their performance, but Dikeç’s success without such equipment is a testament to his natural skill. He narrowly missed the gold, which was claimed by Serbian shooters Zorana Arunović and Damir Mikec.
A Storied Career and Humble Confidence
Yusuf Dikeç, competing in his fifth Olympics, has previously represented Turkey in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. In addition to his Olympic appearances, he boasts multiple titles from World and European Championships. A retired non-commissioned officer of the Turkish Gendarmerie, Dikeç’s confidence shines through his statement, “Success doesn’t come with your hands in your pockets,” emphasizing his belief in his innate talent.
The official Olympic social media accounts have joined in celebrating Dikeç’s laid-back style, calling him “The Olympic #shootingsport star we didn’t know we needed.” His relaxed demeanor contrasts sharply with South Korea’s Kim Yeji, who gained fame for her futuristic shooting gadgets and intense focus during the women’s 10-meter air pistol event.
A Social Media Phenomenon
The online community has embraced Dikeç’s unconventional style, creating memes and humorous content around his image. From superimposing pints of beer and cigarettes into his iconic photo to crafting memes about his casual appearance, the internet has had a field day with Dikeç’s Olympic moment.