At the Paris 2024 Olympics a Turkish pistol shooter has become an internet sensation. Competing with one hand in his pocket, Yusuf Dikec’s effortless demeanor has won the internet and a historic silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event. 

His laid-back style, contrasting sharply with the intense focus of his rivals, has captured the world’s imagination and sparked viral fame on social media.

Yusuf Dikec’s Unique Style

Dikec’s look, paired with standard glasses and an impassive expression, has drawn comparisons to an ordinary guy competing at the Olympics—or even a hitman. 

This viral moment is a stark contrast to his Serbian rival, Damir Mikec, who sported a blinder and ear defenders as part of his extensive gear.

Early Life and Career of Yusuf Dikec

Yusuf Dikec, born on January 1, 1973, in Taşoluk village within the Göksun district of Kahramanmaraş Province, has established himself as a distinguished Turkish sport shooter in pistol events. His rise from a small village in southeastern Turkey to achieving Olympic recognition highlights his exceptional commitment to the sport.

Prior to achieving Olympic recognition, Dikec served as a non-commissioned officer in the Turkish Gendarmerie and was a member of the Jandarma Gücü Sports Club. His educational journey started in his village’s primary school and continued through secondary education in Göksun.

In 1994, he enrolled in the Military School of Gendarmerie in Ankara and, upon graduation, began his service as a corporal in Mardin. After returning to the Military School of Gendarmerie in 1999, he graduated a year later as a sergeant and was assigned to Jandarma Gücü in Ankara.

Dikec’s shooting career took off in 2001, marking the beginning of his participation in both the military and national shooting teams. 

In addition to his military and sporting commitments, he pursued and completed a degree in physical education and sports from Gazi University in Ankara.

Experienced Olympian

Despite the casual appearance, Dikec is no stranger to the Olympic stage. The 51-year-old has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2008, showcasing his experience and skill.

This silver medal, which he won alongside his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, marks Turkey’s first-ever medal in Olympic shooting. Serbia took the gold, and India claimed the bronze.

Teamwork and Memes

Sevval IlaydaTarhan, sporting large ear defenders and braids in Turkey’s national colors, also shot with one hand in her pocket, mirroring Dikec’s relaxed style. The duo’s approach has sparked numerous memes and widespread social media buzz. 

Dikec, embracing the trend, shared a compilation of these memes on his Instagram page, showcasing his good humor about the viral fame.

Post-Event Celebrations

The shooting events took place in Chateauroux, about three hours south of Paris. 

After their event, Dikec and Tarhan traveled to the French capital, where they received a warm welcome at the Champions Park, an open-air venue where medalists celebrate with fans.

Minimal Gear, Maximum Impact

Many wondered why Dikec opted for minimal gear. While it appeared he wore no specialized equipment, Dikec did use yellow earplugs to block distractions, though they weren’t visible in the viral images. 

This minimalist approach stands in contrast to the more gear-heavy setups of many other shooters, who often use visors to reduce glare and blinders for better focus.

Dikec’s Approach is Not Unique

Interestingly, Yusuf Dikec’s relaxed style isn’t entirely unique at these Olympics. Chinese rifle shooter Liu Yukun also won a gold medal while wearing earplugs without a blinder or visor. 

The viral fame of these athletes has highlighted the variety of approaches within the sport.

Other Viral Stars

Yusuf Dikec’s viral fame is matched by that of South Korean pistol shooter Kim Yeji, whose confident demeanor and dramatic stance have earned her the title of possessing “main character energy” on social media. 

Kim won silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event, adding to the viral buzz surrounding Olympic shooters this year.

Looking to the Future

With his individual events concluded, Dikec is already looking ahead to the next Olympics in 2028, aiming for a gold medal in Los Angeles. 

His ability to maintain such a calm and composed presence under pressure has not only earned him a place in Olympic history but also in the hearts of fans worldwide.

A Memorable Olympic Moment

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, Dikec’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the unique, unexpected moments that capture our imaginations and make the Games truly unforgettable.