Turkish pistol shooter, Yusuf Dikec, has become an overnight social media sensation for his seemingly casual and laid-back demeanour during his recent silver medal-winning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Photos of Dikec competing with one hand in his pocket, wearing a simple T-shirt and everyday glasses, have gone viral, prompting comparisons to a “regular person” at the Olympics or even a hitman.
Despite his low-key appearance, the 51-year-old is a veteran Olympian, having competed since 2008.
Dikec, alongside Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, won the silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, marking Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting.
The gold medal went to Serbia’s Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, while India’s Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh took bronze.
Dikec’s relaxed style was in stark contrast to his opponents, who used more specialised equipment.
He emphasised that his success is a significant achievement for Turkish sports, not just a personal victory.
“Yusuf Dikec is merely a name and a symbol. I am incredibly happy to be in the spotlight as a Turkish athlete rather than just as Yusuf Dikec,” he said.
He noted that the silver medal represents 24 years of dedication, with rigorous training six days a week for 4-5 hours each day. While some may perceive his win as effortless, Dikec stressed the hard work behind it.
“People sometimes say, ‘You won the medal easily, with your hands in your pockets.’ That’s the external perception. The reality is 24 years of effort. I train six days a week, doing 4-5 hours of training each day,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Dikec expressed his ambition to win gold at the 2028 Olympics. He mentioned that had he won gold in Paris, he might have retired, but he remains motivated to continue competing.
His 9-year-old daughter, Basak, played a crucial role in motivating him for the Paris Games, offering encouragement and advice.
The experienced Olympian hopes his story and success will inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach new heights in their chosen sport.